Participants from conservation organisations, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and partners convened to examine documentation on the project’s implementation and scope, ensuring a people-centred approach.

As the lead implementing partner, the Environment Protection Agency will ensure that focus on accountability, sustainability, and community involvement in land management are prioritised.

Transparency, inclusion, and shared responsibility are critical to achieving successful outcomes.

In his opening statement, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Abu-Bakar Massaquoi, said the Western Area Peninsula (WAP), which includes a national park and vital mangrove forests, is a crucial player in biodiversity conservation and water supply for Freetown.

It is under threat from urbanisation, agriculture, mining, and resource misuse, and the purpose of this project is to restore and protect its ecological assets, he stated

*”The project will strengthen institutional capacity for Integrated Landscape Managemen
t (ILM), demonstrate ILM practices, promote innovative financing, and ensure gender mainstreaming, knowledge management, and monitoring and evaluation,” said Dr Massaquoi*

Because of the project’s inclusive nature, the project coordinator, Paul Lamin, the agency’s Director of Natural Resources Governance, assured that the consultants’ draft will be reviewed by partners and that participant feedback and recommendations will be taken into account for action.

Source: Sierra Leone News Agency