By: Kadiatu A. Turay
In an effort to preserve one of Sierra Leone’s most popular tourist destinations, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with environmental groups and local stakeholders, launched a massive clean-up campaign at Lumley-Aberdeen Beach on September 15, 2024. The initiative aims to combat the growing issue of waste pollution along the coastline, which has threatened marine life and reduced the beach’s appeal to both locals and tourists.
The clean-up drive saw the participation of government officials, community leaders, youth groups, and volunteers, all working together to restore the beauty of the beach. Addressing the crowd, Minister of Tourism, Nabeela Tunis emphasized the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of Sierra Leone’s beaches as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism.
“This clean-up campaign is a vital step in ensuring that our beaches remain clean, safe, and attractive to visitors,” Minister Tunis said. “A clean environment is not only essential for tourism but also for the health and well-being of the local communities that depend on this beach for their livelihoods.”
The campaign is part of a larger “Keep Our Beaches Clean” initiative, which focuses on raising awareness about waste management and environmental conservation. It also highlights the importance of sustainable tourism practices in protecting the natural beauty of Sierra Leone’s coastline.
Representatives from environmental organizations such as the Freetown Waste Management Company and the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were also present at the event. EPA Director, Dr. Raymond Johnson, stressed the need for ongoing education about waste disposal and the detrimental impact of littering on marine ecosystems.
In addition to cleaning the beach, volunteers planted trees along the coastline to prevent erosion and promote biodiversity. Local residents applauded the efforts, expressing hope that this initiative would mark the beginning of a long-term solution to the environmental challenges facing the Lumley-Aberdeen Beach area.
The Ministry of Tourism announced plans to continue similar clean-up activities along other major beaches in the country and called on the public to actively participate in keeping their environment clean.
