Overview
Launched by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Protect Sierra Leone initiative is a bold commitment to conserve the nation’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Its central mission aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30, aiming to safeguard 30% of both terrestrial and marine environments by 2030.
Conservation Threats
Deforestation and forest degradation
Biodiversity loss (Only 9% of land and 2% of marine areas currently protected)
Marine plastics pollution and overfishing
Unsustainable Wood Fuel Use
Stakeholders Affected
Coastal and fishing communities dependent on marine resources for livelihoods and food security
Deforestation is affecting the watershed and affecting the food and water supplies, as well as housing for communities living alongside or close to forests.
Marine life is being significantly reduced by over-fishing and harmful plastics pollution
The Solution The Solution
Integrated Landscapes
Plans to expand protection from ~0.45 Mha to 1 Mha (~14–15% of land) across four priority landscapes, and restore ~230 kha, secure carbon revenue, and enhance co‑management with local communities.
Community Forests
Establish ~700 kha of community-managed forests (~10% of land) as a core strategy.
Cookstoves Initiative
Roll out clean cooking solutions to ~1.3 million households to curb woodfuel pressure, already distributing ~30,000 stoves, with ~250,000 funded and ~430,000 additional units to be funded.
Marine Conservation
Expand marine protection to ~110–150 kha of mangroves and ~230–270 kha of coastal areas and support community fisheries through strengthened territorial use rights (TURFs), safer gear adoption, and better landing infrastructure. Then scale up IUU surveillance, seasonal restrictions, ecosystem restoration, and livelihood alternatives like aquaculture and oyster farming.
Results & Impact
~700kha
Of new community-managed forest to be established.
1 Mha
To be under protection across four priority landscapes
$20-25M/year
In potential carbon credit revenues. Additional socio-economic benefits to community health, fuel savings, and increased eco-tourism.
Institutional Leadership
The program is led by a committed team from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, led by Jiwoh E. Abdulai (Minister), alongside Thomas F. Kamara (NPAA Executive Director), Kate Garnett (Director of Forestry), and Elizabeth Hawa (Permanent Secretary).
Collaborative Network
Local and international NGOs, along with global donors, will help deliver this ambitious program working closely with local communities.
Minister Jiwoh Abdulai
Alignment with Global Goals
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 30×30 Target
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Sustainable Communities
Why It Matters
Sierra Leone boasts 55% forest cover, including tropical and mangrove ecosystems, which harbor over 2,700 IUCN Red List species, such as chimpanzees, elephants, and pygmy hippos. Its coastal and marine areas form 69% of the country’s territory, supporting 12% of GDP, providing 80% of dietary protein, and employing about 1 million people in fisheries.
Get Involved
Support the Protect Sierra Leone Program and learn more on their dedicated webpage https://protectsierraleone.com/.