BY AY Kallay:078586554
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Environment Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has outlined major successes recorded in 2025, describing the year as one of its most remarkable in organizational performance.
According to Lovetta Yatta Juana, Director of Programme Development and Performance, the Agency made significant strides in climate governance, environmental regulation, pollution control, and systems transformation, moving from policy ambition to tangible national delivery.
Finance and Resource Mobilization
EPA-SL generated NLe 168.9 million in internal revenue, surpassing its annual target by 105%. Additional achievements included NLe 10.43 million in grants, $2.28 million in project funds, and $5.05 million in new awards, totaling over $7.3 million mobilized for climate and environmental initiatives. Juana noted that these gains enhanced EPA’s financial independence and expanded its project pipeline.
Climate Governance and Delivery
Key milestones included the finalization of Sierra Leone’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, the completion of the NDC Scorecard, and progress on the First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). The Agency also operationalized a national MRV system, launched the ICAT initiative, and completed climate mobility assessments in Plantain and Yeliboya. Coastal resilience efforts targeted 75 communities, trained 53 officials, and initiated restoration planning for 1,500 hectares of mangroves.
Natural Resources and Biodiversity
EPA updated the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), prepared the 7th National Biodiversity Report, and established a monitoring system. Nine chiefdoms across five districts now have operationalized Chiefdom Environment Enforcement Committees (CEECoMs), strengthening decentralized governance.
Marine and Mining Governance
The Agency advanced Marine Spatial Planning, trained game guards under the Abidjan Convention Project, and restored coastal lands. In mining, EPA secured $15 million in collateral from companies to guarantee rehabilitation and screened 18 firms for compliance.
Pollution Control and Environmental Health
EPA launched a National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), trained 65 data collectors, and initiated nationwide pollution monitoring. Over 422 companies were assessed using mobile labs, while real-time air and water quality monitoring was operationalized. Sierra Leone also completed its first e-waste inventory.
Enforcement and Legal Action
In 2025, EPA conducted 1,184 inspections, approved 83 EIA licences, executed 25 enforcement actions, and dismantled 202 illegal dredges nationwide. Two landmark regulations were enacted: the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations 2025 and the Lead in Paint Regulations 2025.
Public Engagement and Partnerships
EPA delivered 22 national media engagements, seven community campaigns, and produced eight “EPA Unpacked” videos. It also hosted Sierra Leone’s first Climate Leadership and Accountability (CLA) Conference, formalized 13 partnerships, and co-chaired the West Africa BBNJ Committee.
Institutional Strengthening
Infrastructure projects included the launch of a southern regional office in Bo and near-completion of the Freetown headquarters. Eight Land Cruisers were procured to boost field operations. Staff benefited from ethics, anti-corruption, ICT, and welfare training, reinforcing EPA’s institutional backbone.
Looking Ahead
Mrs. Juana emphasized that 2025 marked a pivotal shift from fragmented projects to a unified, systems-oriented approach. With stronger enforcement, data-driven regulation, and sustainable financing, EPA-SL is now positioned as a credible delivery-ready institution under the Paris Agreement.