By: Wurie Kargbo
The recent Climate Action Conference held at the Freetown City Hall has set forth a crucial agenda for national discourse and a unique opportunity towards achieving a climate resilient environment. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Sierra Leone’s future hinges on our ability to adopt and implement comprehensive strategies to combat environmental degradation and climate change. One cannot be overemphasized how fragile Sierra Leone has become to climate induced hazards and shocks. The indicators are glaring and the recently released climate incidents report of 2023 done by World Hope International in Partnership with SEND Sierra Leone shows the level of vulnerability faced by communities.
Thus, the conference, organized by SEND – SIERRA LEONE in collaboration with World Hope International and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) sets the stage for a unified approach to resilience in Sierra Leone.
The statistics presented in the two days conference were alarming; with Sierra Leone losing 550 hectares of forest in 2023, with a further 520 hectares lost in the first four months of 2024 indicates an urgent need for action. These losses, driven by coal mining, illegal logging, and unsustainable farming, are not just environmental issues but existential threats to our socio-economic stability and public health.
The urgency for an immediate action was a recurrent theme in the entire discussion. Immediate actions such as restoring mangroves and fish populations, improving energy management, and transitioning to renewable energy sources are non-negotiable demands put forward by the audience and thus underpinned the two days conversation.
A call for action that urges Government to take a proactive leadership role, and recognizing the inherent risks of climate change and committing to a robust climate law that supports low-carbon and climate-resilient development was integral and highly acclaimed among participants.
The four panel discussions during the conference addressed critical components of Sierra Leone’s climate strategy. From strengthening governance frameworks to supporting effective policy implementation, to navigating the complexities of climate-smart agriculture, the discussions were rich with actionable insights. The focus on renewable energy solutions, particularly through the Energy Transition Plan and Clean Cooking Strategy, highlighted the potential of moving away from traditional biomass fuels.
Discussions on community engagement emerged as a cornerstone in effective climate action. Integrating climate change education into school curricula and ensuring climate change messages are accessible in local languages in a bid to foster a broad-based understanding and active participation in climate initiatives were not only informative but will suggest a blueprint towards achieving a climate resilient society.
Moreover, the announcement of three key policy frameworks—the Energy Transition Plan, Clean Cooking Strategy, and Climate Bill is a significant step towards institutionalizing our climate resilience efforts. Thus, I’m of the belief that such frameworks will guide our journey towards a more sustainable and resilient Sierra Leone.
However, policy alone is not enough. We need concerted actions that include mainstreaming climate issues across governance structures, promoting community involvement, enhancing education and awareness, implementing agroforestry and climate-smart agricultural practices, fostering public-private partnerships, and developing local regulations to support mitigation efforts. Collaborative strategies with International Organizations will also be essential in managing our long-standing climate-induced challenges.
It is essential to state that the path to a climate-resilient Sierra Leone is fraught with challenges, but the recent conference has laid a critical foundation. The collaborative efforts of government, international partners, local communities, and with a continued commitment and strategic planning, we can turn the vision of a resilient Sierra Leone into reality. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now!
Let us therefore seize this moment to secure a sustainable future for Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, May 27th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
