The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has kicked off a crucial workshop focusing on Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management in Sierra Leone. Held at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown, the event saw Paul Lamin, Director of Natural Resources Governance, representing the Executive Chairman, spearheading the opening ceremony.
Gathering participants from diverse backgrounds, including facilitators from the International Ocean Institute – South Africa and representatives from the Abidjan Convention, as well as local stakeholders, the workshop delved into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding coastal zone management.
Director Lamin underscored the pressing need to address the potential impacts of unregulated coastal activities, highlighting environmental, social, economic, and health concerns. Emphasizing the importance of the 2015 Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan, he outlined its objectives, aiming to foster sustainable practices, engage stakeholders, and mitigate risks associated with coastal resource exploitation.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability across African, Caribbean, and Pacific regions, while also supporting the implementation of resolutions from the Abidjan Convention’s 13th Conference of Parties (COP13).
Moreover, the workshop reflects the EPA’s commitment to its Transformative Strategy, which aims to enhance institutional capacity through knowledge sharing and skill development. By focusing on Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management (ICZM) as a key tool, the program seeks to empower stakeholders to achieve sustainable coastal management goals effectively.
The thematic areas covered during the workshop include introductory sessions on Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management in Sierra Leone, as well as discussions on considerations for a Regional Integrated Ocean Management (IOM) Strategy.
Recognizing the significant impact of this training on local communities, the EPA aims to leverage its outcomes to foster positive change and promote sustainable coastal development in Sierra Leone.
