As the rainclouds descend on Sierra Leone’s tropical Kambui Hills Forest Reserve, a handful of khaki-clad rangers assemble for their daily patrol. Tasked with preserving the West African country’s dwindling wilderness, these rangers from the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) are on the front lines against illegal mining and logging activities.
Located in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province, an area rich in gold, rutile, and diamonds, the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve faces relentless threats. With only 62 wardens to cover approximately 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres), it’s a challenging battle. “The devastation is getting worse every day,” says Sheku Jusu, the regional NPAA conservation officer. His words ring true as fresh signs of illegal mining are discovered just 30 minutes into the patrol.
“While we are sleeping, they come,” notes Bockarie Kowa, the NPAA regional coordinator. The miners, often in search of gold, leave behind scars of excavation along the rocky riverbanks, with felled trees and deep pits marking their activities. The economic hardship in Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries globally, drives this exploitation of the natural landscape.
The rangers’ patrol reveals the extent of the destruction. Trees are uprooted, and the dense tree cover gives way to vast expanses littered with felled trees. According to the Environmental Performance Index, Sierra Leone has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Since 2000, the country has lost over 35 percent of its total tree cover and 14 percent of its humid primary forests, some of the world’s most ecologically significant habitats, as reported by Global Forest Watch.
### Sierra Leone’s Climate and Environmental Challenges
Sierra Leone’s climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon, with a distinct rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The country experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in the coastal and forested areas, which can lead to severe flooding. This climatic pattern exacerbates the environmental challenges the country faces, particularly deforestation and land degradation.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Climate Change
In response to the increasing environmental challenges, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown has announced a multi-agency initiative to tackle the city’s recent flooding issues. The initiative involves collaboration with key officials, including the Minister of Environment, Minister of Local Government, Deputy Minister of Lands, National Security Coordinator from the Office of National Security (ONS), Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Joint Force Commander of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), and the Chairman of Ward C.
The stakeholders discussed several root causes of the flooding, such as the absence of effective land use planning, issues with building permit issuance, deforestation leading to silt accumulation on roads and gutters, inadequate stormwater drainage systems, and sanitation problems exacerbated by limited road access.
Coordinated Response and Actions
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of a coordinated response, presenting Freetown’s environmental challenges and the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) ongoing efforts to clear silt from Mellon Street. The collaborative team has scheduled joint institutional assessments and plans to hold regular meetings in anticipation of further heavy rainfall. These efforts aim to develop comprehensive solutions to mitigate the impact of future flooding.
The fight against deforestation and environmental degradation in Sierra Leone is an ongoing battle, with dedicated rangers and local authorities working tirelessly to protect the country’s natural resources. Collaborative efforts led by figures like Mayor Aki-Sawyerr are crucial in addressing the broader challenges of climate change and ensuring the sustainability of Sierra Leone’s environment for future generations.