By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
In a significant move to address forestry challenges in Sierra Leone, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), which oversees the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative, has on Wednesday the 12th March 2025, partnered with the PI-CREF Secretariat. A delegation from FAO met with PI-CREF officials on Tuesday to explore collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing forest conservation and sustainable land use across the country.
The FAO team was warmly received by senior PI-CREF staff on behalf of Chairman Kandeh Yumkella. Expressing enthusiasm for the engagement, the delegation emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to ensure the successful implementation of the REDD+ program in Sierra Leone.
Gbessay E.S. Momoh, National Technical Coordinator for REDD+, outlined the purpose of the visit, which was to introduce the REDD+ project and explore avenues for cooperation with PI-CREF. He stressed the need for improved coordination among relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prepare Sierra Leone for the full implementation of REDD+.
“REDD+ was introduced as an incentive for developing countries to curb deforestation while ensuring environmental and social benefits,” Momoh stated. He highlighted the importance of integrating REDD+ into key climate change policies and embedding it within government institutions and community-level initiatives.
Momoh further revealed that work is underway to develop a National REDD+ Roadmap and stakeholder engagement strategies, which will play a critical role in ensuring widespread participation and policy alignment.
Meanwhile, Peter M. Kaindaneh, Chief Technical Adviser at PI-CREF, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to removing barriers and accelerating the implementation of climate change, renewable energy, and food security projects. He underscored the urgency of fast-tracking initiatives aligned with Sierra Leone’s climate goals.
Patrick Kormawa, Director of Climate-Smart Agriculture, also expressed gratitude to the FAO delegation, emphasizing that PI-CREF’s Strategic Plan 2024-2030 prioritizes climate and forestry-related concerns. He assured stakeholders that PI-CREF remains open to deeper collaboration on forestry conservation and sustainable development.
Additionally, Fuad Yusuf Bangura, Director of Climate Change, called for the inclusion of forestry companies in future discussions, citing their vital role in conservation and sustainable land management.
The meeting provided a platform for valuable insights from various stakeholders, reinforcing a collective commitment to strengthening forestry management in Sierra Leone. With optimism about future collaborations, PI-CREF and REDD+ are set to play a crucial role in advancing sustainable forestry initiatives and promoting environmental conservation across the country.