By Abubakarr Tarawally
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, has called on Sierra Leoneans to actively participate in environmental protection efforts through partnerships with local authorities across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Hall in Youyi Building, Freetown, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, emphasized the urgency of the crisis and the need for collective action at all levels of governance.
He highlighted that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are pressing global issues that demand immediate and joint attention.
“Deforestation does not only lead to the loss of trees but also affects wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and worsens climate conditions. The fight against climate change, deforestation, and pollution must be a collective effort, as almost all countries worldwide are struggling with these challenges. Communities should be at the center of this fight because their involvement is crucial for providing long-term solutions,” Abdulai stated.
The minister further noted that the ministry has conducted nationwide consultations, engaging paramount chiefs from the North in Port Loko, the East in Kenema, the South in Bo, and the Western Area, including councilors, headmen, and community leaders. Representatives from all 190 chiefdoms participated, demonstrating strong national interest in addressing environmental issues. The goal, he said, is to empower local leaders and communities to take responsibility for protecting their environment.
Adding to the discussion, the Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina, underscored the urgent need for collective action, citing last year’s extreme weather conditions as a clear indication of climate change’s growing impact on Sierra Leone.
“The way the seasons treated us last year is clear evidence that climate change is real and requires our full attention. This meeting was not just for paramount chiefs but also included local council heads, regional ministers, secretaries, district officers, and other key stakeholders. Everyone must come together to address these environmental problems. This has been a long-term vision—to unite efforts in solving these challenges,” Lamina stated.
He further explained that with 22 local councils and over 100 chiefdoms responsible for community governance, the government believes change must begin at the grassroots level.
To reinforce this, he emphasized the need to review the Chieftaincy Act of 2009 to formally incorporate environmental protection measures and climate change mitigation into governance structures. Strengthening such laws, he said, would help promote climate resilience at the local level.
Supporting this initiative, Paramount Chief Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie II of Njama Kowa Chiefdom in Moyamba District welcomed the move, stating that she has long been advocating for environmental sustainability and community-led conservation efforts.
“If these policies are incorporated into the Chieftaincy Act, it will empower us to do more at the community level. Our people must understand the importance of protecting the environment. We have relied on external support for far too long—it is time for us to take action ourselves,” she said.
She further assured that efforts are already underway in her chiefdom to educate communities about the impact of climate change and deforestation. She also highlighted their focus on promoting tree-planting initiatives to safeguard the country’s future.
