In collaboration with GOAL Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has initiated a dialogue with coastal communities to address the ongoing challenges impacting their livelihoods and human rights. The engagement, held on Friday, 20th September 2024, at the MoPED Conference Hall in Freetown, focused on ensuring the sustainable development of these marginalised communities, emphasising the protection of their natural resources and economic well-being.

In his opening remarks, Usman Conteh, Deputy Development Secretary of MoPED, underscored the importance of safeguarding Sierra Leone’s coastal areas, stressing that access to water and marine resources is a fundamental human right. He highlighted the government’s focus on developing the Blue Economy, a key driver for improving livelihoods through sustainable fishing practices and environmental preservation. “Water is life,” he remarked, “and protecting our coastal resources is protecting the rights and future of our people.”

Hasm
a Jalloh, representing GOAL Sierra Leone, outlined the organisation’s efforts to empower coastal communities, emphasising individuals’ rights to live in healthy environments and access essential resources. She detailed various initiatives, including restoring mangroves to protect against environmental degradation and projects to provide clean water and improve sanitation-critical components in ensuring the right to health and dignity.

“GOAL Sierra Leone is committed to addressing the disparities these communities face,” Jalloh said. “Our work supports over 8,600 people across Tokeh, Fogbo, Portee Rokupa, and Old Wharf, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to lead dignified lives.”

Additionally, GOAL has provided essential fishing equipment such as boats, nets, life jackets, and GPS devices, ensuring fishermen can carry out their work safely and sustainably. These initiatives directly enhance the rights of these communities to secure their livelihoods and protect their economic interests.

Ma
nso Kargbo, Senior Planning Officer at MoPED, affirmed the government’s dedication to collaborating with development partners like GOAL to uphold the rights of coastal communities. “MoPED recognises the challenges these communities face, and we are committed to developing policies and actions that respect their rights to development, economic security, and environmental protection,” Kargbo stated. He further highlighted the importance of community participation in ensuring sustainable progress.

The dialogue reaffirmed MoPED and GOAL’s commitment to protecting and empowering Sierra Leone’s coastal populations, underscoring the importance of community ownership and continued advocacy to protect their rights.

Through their combined efforts, MoPED and GOAL are helping to bridge the gap between government policies and the lived realities of coastal communities, ensuring that the people who rely on these vital resources are included in Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

Source: Sierra Leone News Agency