By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
The European Union, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, has awarded a €660,000 grant to support the conservation and development of Loma Mountain National Park and its neighboring communities. The grant agreement was signed on Friday, July 5, 2024, with the National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA) and the Loma Conservation Community Programme (LCCP). This three-year project aims to protect the biodiversity of Loma Mountain and its surrounding areas, involving key local chiefdoms, including Sandor, Nyedu, Nieni, and Barawa-Wollay.
The €660,000 grant will support a people-centered project focusing on three main pillars:
Conservation of the Landscape: The project aims to solidify the boundaries of the National Park and its buffer zones. It will provide the park with an effective management plan and ensure proper monitoring and protection of its biodiversity. This initiative is expected to improve the conservation status of endangered species, such as the chimpanzee, and reduce deforestation.
Territorial Governance: The project will involve the neighboring communities in the park’s governance through co-management systems and a land-use review. This approach will empower local communities to adopt sustainable resource management practices.
Green Economy: The project will promote essential local infrastructure, social services, and alternative livelihood activities such as agro-forestry and ecotourism. These interventions will enable communities to decide on their future development and prevent the over-exploitation of natural resources by illegal activities.
Gerald Hatler, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, emphasized the EU’s commitment to conservation, stating, “With the launching of this project, the EU is supporting the conservation of 80% of the Natural Parks in Sierra Leone. This is only the start, as we will soon support other protected areas.”
Currently, 9% of Sierra Leone’s land area is designated as National Park or other protected areas. This is a significant achievement but still falls short of the 30% target by 2030 set by the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework. Sierra Leone also faces one of the highest rates of deforestation globally, estimated at 2% per year. Gerald Hatler stressed the urgency of the situation, “If we do not act decisively, it will be too late.”
The project is part of the EU’s broader initiative, NaturAfrica, which supports biodiversity conservation across the continent. NaturAfrica focuses on key landscapes for conservation and development, aiming to create jobs, improve security, and promote sustainable livelihoods while preserving vital ecosystems and wildlife. Engaging indigenous communities and women is central to the NaturAfrica approach and will be a key aspect of the intervention in Loma Mountain.
For the first time, the project will establish a fund to finance economic development activities in communities that contribute to the park’s conservation, recognizing the essential role of local people in protecting the environment.
Richard Marah, Director of LCCP, expressed gratitude during the signing ceremony, stating, “The signing of this contract commits us to work together more closely towards our common goal, the pursuit of environmental programs. We express our sincere gratitude to everyone whose dedication and efforts have contributed to the finalization of this project.”
The Paramount Chiefs of Nyedu, Nieni, Barawa-Wollay, and Sandor attended the ceremony, representing their communities. The Chiefdom Councils will play a crucial role in implementing the project by facilitating community participation and reinforcing a decentralized, people-centered approach.
