By Emma Black
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), in collaboration with its agencies and with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has intensified its nationwide Nature-Based Digital Ecotourism Training in Kabala, Koinadugu District. On October 3–4, 2025.The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s “Year of Ecotourism” campaign, designed to strengthen community participation, digital capacity, and sustainable tourism development across Sierra Leone.
Welcoming the Ministry’s delegation, Paramount Chief Gbawun K. Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom commended the government’s continued focus on tourism as a key driver of economic growth and rural empowerment. He emphasized the sector’s potential to uplift local businesses and improve livelihoods, while calling for stronger measures to protect Lake Sonfon from illegal mining activities that threaten its environmental and tourism value.
In his remarks, Deputy Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Programs, Mr. Idrissa Bangura, underscored that the training aligns with both the National Tourism Policy and the Ecotourism Development and Action Plan, which aim to equip communities with practical knowledge in digital tools, marketing, and sustainable tourism practices. He described Koinadugu District as “a region of immense natural beauty and cultural heritage” and encouraged local collaboration in identifying and promoting hidden attractions.
The two-day workshop featured expert-led sessions on content creation for tourism promotion, digital storytelling, sustainable tourism management, biodiversity protection, and community-based tourism value chains. Participants engaged in group discussions, exploring how to apply these lessons to enhance Koinadugu’s tourism appeal.
Following the training, the MTCA team and participants conducted site visits to several key attractions. Among them was the Wara Wara Mountain, famous for its breathtaking views and the annual New Year Festival, which draws visitors from across Sierra Leone and the diaspora. Officials from the National Tourist Board (NTB) highlighted ongoing interventions to make the area more accessible and visitor-ready, noting both achievements and remaining challenges in infrastructure and local engagement.
The team also visited Senekedugu Village, renowned for its vegetable farming and growing potential for agro-tourism a form of tourism that directly benefits local farmers through sustainable agricultural experiences for visitors. The visit underscored how ecotourism and agriculture can complement each other to improve community livelihoods.
Through this continued outreach, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to empowering rural communities, conserving natural heritage, and promoting inclusive economic growth. The Ministry pledged to keep working with development partners, local authorities, and community members to position Koinadugu District as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers seeking an authentic blend of nature, culture, and adventure in Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 8th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
