By Josephine Sesay

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, has issued a stern warning against illegal encroachments and construction activities threatening the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Western Area Peninsula National Park.  He emphasized the grave danger these activities pose to wildlife and human populations, reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to safeguarding these critical ecological zones.

The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to over 120 rescued chimpanzees, has been forced to close its doors to visitors due to escalating illegal encroachments.  Sanctuary founder Bala Amarasekaran expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that despite previous warnings and presidential intervention, illegal constructions have resumed, bringing the threat perilously close to the chimpanzee enclosures.

The Western Area Peninsula National Park, encompassing approximately 18,337 hectares, is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also Freetown’s primary water source.  Minister Abdulai highlighted that ongoing deforestation and unauthorized developments within the park jeopardize the city’s water security.  He urged citizens to desist from building in restricted areas to protect both biodiversity and public safety.

In response to these challenges, the Sierra Leonean government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat environmental degradation.  This includes a $60 million program focusing on water security at the Western Area Peninsula Park, aiming to address the underlying causes of deforestation and promote sustainable land use practices.

Conservationists and local authorities are calling for immediate and decisive action to enforce environmental laws and protect these vital ecosystems.  The closure of the Tacugama Sanctuary underscores the urgency of the situation, as continued encroachment threatens not only wildlife but also the well-being of human communities dependent on these natural resources.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change remains steadfast in its mission to preserve Sierra Leone’s natural heritage, emphasizing that the protection of the Tacugama Sanctuary and the Western Area Peninsula National Park is crucial for the nation’s ecological balance and the health of its citizens.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 9TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)