The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in collaboration with Initiative for Media Development (iMDEV), has successfully concluded a comprehensive training program in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone, aimed at equipping journalists and bloggers with the necessary skills and knowledge to cover pressing environmental issues affecting the country.
Funded by the European Union (EU), the five-day training focused on strengthening environmental reporting, with a particular emphasis on the importance of environmental protection, increase awareness about biodiversity protection and conservation and highlight
challenges of deforestation, artisanal and industrial mining, and other activities adversely impacting the environment in Sierra Leone.
The intensive training program brought together journalists from diverse media backgrounds and blogging platforms to enhance their understanding of environmental degradation issues in the Kambui Hills in Kenema District and the impact community-led biodiversity conservation at Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Through expert-led workshops, field visits, and collaborative discussions, participants delved into the causes, effects, and urgent need for solutions to the rampant environmental destruction currently witnessed in Sierra Leone.
Environmental degradation remains an urgent issue for Sierra Leone, particularly in the Kambui Hills, Western Area Peninsular National Park and other critical landscapes in Sierra Leone. These biodiverse areas are suffering from significant deforestation, unregulated artisanal mining, and unchecked large-scale mining operations. These activities threaten Sierra Leone’s natural assets, with potential repercussions on the ecosystem, local livelihoods, and future generations.
SLAJ is therefore calling attention to these pressing environmental concerns, emphasizing the risks posed by the uncontrolled exploitation of the land and natural resources.
President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, who actively participated in the training program remarked that: “SLAJ is appalled by the level of environmental degradation witnessed firsthand at Kambui Hills and lack of supervision by the relevant state actors to curtail the wanton destruction of the country’s environment, robbing future generations of their inalienable rights to their natural capital.”
SLAJ extends its heartfelt appreciation to the European Union for supporting this crucial training which underscores their commitment to promoting sustainable environmental protection, and supporting Sierra Leonean journalists to raise awareness and advocate for sustainable practices. This training aligns with the EU’s Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027, which prioritizes sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
In light of these findings and the skills acquired through this program, SLAJ is urging the Government of Sierra Leone to take decisive and immediate action to halt the attack on the country’s precious environment. SLAJ calls on the government to enforce laws on environmental protection and prioritize the conservation of natural assets, especially in areas highly vulnerable to degradation, such as the Kambui Hills. Proper enforcement and implementation of existing regulations are essential to halting further destruction and preserving our nation’s valuable natural resources.
SLAJ also commends the management of Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, under the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA), and the host communities for their ongoing commitment to preserving the landscape and promoting biodiversity. Their dedication serves as
a critical example of how local conservation efforts can combat climate change, reduce global warming impacts, and support the economic well-being of surrounding communities.
SLAJ calls on partners and stakeholders to provide increased support to conservation initiatives, which can simultaneously protect Sierra Leone’s natural environment and uplift local economies.
As SLAJ concludes this EU-supported training initiative, the association reiterate its partnership with the EU and other development partners and hopes that such collaboration will inspire others to join in fostering media education on environmental governance and protection, empowering journalists to report on critical issues and advocate for sustainable development in Sierra Leone.