By John Kelly Marah
In a landmark move to advance Sierra Leone’s environmental governance and biodiversity protection, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), in collaboration with the Conservation Trust Fund, has commenced a four-day expert review of draft regulations at the Gallines Paradise, Bo.
The intensive session aims to refine and finalise the legal framework that will guide the protection and sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s natural habitats. It marks a crucial phase in ensuring that the nation’s conservation efforts are governed by robust, transparent, and enforceable regulations aligned with both national and international environmental standards.
Bringing together legal practitioners, environmental experts, conservation specialists, and policymakers, the review seeks to guarantee clarity, enforceability, and inclusivity within the proposed laws. The process promotes a balanced approach that safeguards biodiversity while supporting community livelihoods.
Executive Director of the NPAA, Thomas Faya Kamara, described the review as a major milestone in the Authority’s mission to strengthen environmental protection.
“Why do we have to protect our natural resources and biodiversity? They are part of us. We co-exist with them in harmony. They benefit us now and for future generations,” he emphasised.
Kamara added that the draft regulations would serve as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s conservation efforts, ensuring that the country’s natural heritage remains protected for posterity.
Tsambasangwa Esq., Director of Legal Affairs and Compliance at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted the legal significance of the exercise, noting that effective regulations are critical for sustainable environmental governance. He stressed that legal reforms are key to creating enforceable policies capable of addressing ongoing challenges in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.
Leading the legal review process, Elvis T. Eno, the appointed legal consultant, explained that each clause of the draft regulations would be carefully examined to ensure precision, practicality, and alignment with global best practices.
“Our collective aim is to develop a framework that not only protects the environment but also promotes sustainable development and community participation,” he stated.
Eno further noted that the domestication process—through either an Act of Parliament or a parliamentary resolution—will ensure that international environmental instruments become legally binding within Sierra Leone’s jurisdiction.
The ongoing four-day expert review is expected to conclude with a comprehensive set of refined regulations ready for wider stakeholder consultation and eventual parliamentary adoption. Once finalised, the new legal framework will strengthen the country’s capacity to manage its protected areas effectively while empowering communities to become active stewards of Sierra Leone’s natural treasures.
This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Sierra Leone—one where environmental protection and national development go hand in hand.
