The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sierra Leone has launched ten Chiefdom Environmental Enforcement Coordination Committees (CEECom) to promote decentralized environmental governance and foster a culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility. This initiative aligns with Section 68 of the EPA Act of 2022, aiming to enhance coordination, collaboration, and cooperation at the local level for effective enforcement of environmental laws.
The CEEComs are designed to serve as platforms for cooperation among relevant stakeholders, local authorities, community representatives, and enforcement agencies. Their primary goal is to address environmental challenges and ensure compliance with environmental legislation through localized efforts.
A team from the EPA, including staff from the Natural Resources Governance, Field Operations and Extensions, External Relations and Advocacy, and Legal Affairs Compliance and Enforcement directorates, engaged local authorities across various districts. These districts include:
Yoni Chiefdom in Tonkolili District,Lower and Upper Banta Chiefdoms in Moyamba District, Nongowa Chiefdom in Kenema District, Kakua Chiefdom in Bo District, Simiria, Kafe, Mabonto, and Tane Chiefdoms in Tonkolili District, Diang Chiefdom in Koinadugu District and Marforki Chiefdom in Port Loko District
The discussions focused on identifying key environmental issues and outlining priority and feasible actions to address them.
The committees will focus on several priority actions, Developing bylaws to enforce compliance with environmental regulations, and embarking on robust education and awareness-raising campaigns, and implementing community-led initiatives aimed at addressing underlying environmental problems.
These actions will help the EPA gather feedback and inquiries, strengthening environmental stewardship at the chiefdom level
As mandated by Section 68(1) of the EPA Act of 2022, the committees, chaired by the Paramount Chiefs, will work closely with the EPA. This collaboration includes joint monitoring and inspections, information sharing, and developing joint projects. The EPA team, led by the Directors of Natural Resources Governance, Paul A. Lamin and Joseph Turay, commended the Paramount Chiefs and their section chiefs for their efforts in environmental management. They assured the chiefs of the agency’s full support, including legal assistance, for reporting individuals or companies engaged in harmful activities to the environment and its biodiversity.
The chiefdom authorities pledged their support and commitment to implementing the chiefdom environmental enforcement action plan. They also plan to leverage support from partners for capacity-building initiatives to enhance enforcement effectiveness and compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The ceremonies were solemnized by the oath-taking of committee members, who pledged their commitment and support to the execution of the committee’s mandate.
The establishment of the Chiefdom Environmental Enforcement Coordination Committees marks a significant step towards decentralized environmental governance in Sierra Leone.