Over 5,000 Hectares of Forest Lost in One Year
The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, has announced a new project called the Nature Nourishes Project, aimed at protecting forests and wetlands across Sierra Leone by empowering local communities.
Speaking during a recent presentation, Minister Abdulai said the project builds on the Protect Sierra Leone Program launched in March 2025. That earlier initiative focused on conserving biodiversity, restoring habitats, and involving communities in sustainable environmental practices. The new project, funded by the European Union, will target communities living near protected areas and encourage them to take an active role in conservation.
The Minister highlighted the biggest causes of deforestation in Sierra Leone, including timber logging, illegal mining, stone mining, building encroachment, and charcoal burning. These activities, he warned, threaten ecosystems and reduce access to clean drinking water.
He made a special appeal to residents in the Western Area to help protect water catchment zones and avoid building near the Tacugama Sanctuary, which is vital for wildlife and community safety.
Minister Abdulai also shared recent data on forest cover loss between May 2024 and April 2025. The figures show:
713 hectares lost in the Western Area Peninsula National Park
2,152 hectares lost in Outamba Kilimi
840 hectares lost in Loma Mountain National Park
2,152 hectares lost in Gola Rainforest National Park
No loss reported in the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
He stressed the importance of immediate action to protect the environment and called for stronger public support to preserve Sierra Leone’s natural heritage.
By Mohamed Kamara
