By Alusine Sesay
Freetown, Sierra Leone — June 27, 2025 — A coalition of civil society organizations has issued a sharp rebuke against a government proposal to reduce the size of the Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP) by nearly 5,000 hectares—a move they say would have catastrophic environmental consequences for Sierra Leone’s capital and the surrounding region.
The proposal, advanced by the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, would shrink the protected park by 28.9%, reducing it from 17,185 to 12,218 hectares. Environmental groups argue this would gravely undermine the region’s water security, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
“The Western Area Peninsula Forest is more than just a collection of trees—it is a lifeline,” said the coalition in a joint statement. “It is the primary watershed for the Guma Valley Dam, a vital water source for Freetown, and home to unique and endangered wildlife species.”
The organizations outlined four major threats posed by the reduction:
– Water insecurity due to potential disruptions to the watershed that feeds Freetown’s main reservoir.
– Biodiversity loss, with endangered species facing extinction due to habitat destruction.
– Increased disaster risk linked to deforestation-fueled landslides and floods—problems Freetown has faced repeatedly in recent years.
– Worsening climate vulnerability, as the forest currently acts as a natural buffer against extreme temperatures and greenhouse gas buildup.
Adding to their concern is the lack of transparency and scientific backing in the decision-making process. The coalition criticized the NPAA for endorsing the move, calling it a failure of their mandate to safeguard protected areas, and demanded the immediate resignation of its Executive Director.
They also urged the Ministry of Lands to abandon the plan and instead prioritize sustainable land management aligned with the National Land Policy of 2015. A call was also made to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to lead a transparent review of forest protection laws in collaboration with experts, local communities, and civil society.
“The protection of the Western Area Peninsula Forest is not up for negotiation,” the statement concluded. “It is essential for our water, our wildlife, and our safety.”
The petition is backed by a wide array of civil society groups including Resolve, Namati, Women on Mining and Extractives, Land for Life, Girls Career Barray Salone, Green Scenery, National Coalition for Community Legal Empowerment, Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Land Alliance, Youth Arise for Rural Development, Empowerment and Peace Building and Lady Ellen Women’s Aid Foundation.
Certainly! Here’s an edited and structured version suitable for a knowledge brief or inclusion in an article:
Western Area Peninsula National Park: A Vital Natural Heritage
The Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP) is a critically important protected area located in Sierra Leone. Spanning 183.37 square kilometers, it encompasses the westernmost semi-deciduous closed canopy forest in the country.
Historical Significance
Originally designated as a forest reserve in 1916, WAPNP covered an area of 17,688 hectares (68.29 square miles). It was demarcated by Charles Lane Poole, Sierra Leone’s first Conservator of Forests and the founder of the national Forestry Department.
In 2012, the forest received national park status through a formal proclamation published in the Statutory Instrument, Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vol. CXLIII, No. 69 (dated 29 November 2012). This designation adhered to boundaries outlined by the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve (WAPFoR) Project.
Ecological Importance
WAPNP is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endangered species. It serves as a critical sanctuary for birds and mammals such as three species of duiker. The park is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its significant populations of rare and threatened bird species.
Its ecological functions extend beyond biodiversity. The forest plays a crucial role in regulating microclimates, maintaining water catchments for the Guma Valley Dam, and acting as a buffer against extreme weather events.
Global Recognition
UNESCO has acknowledged the park’s exceptional value by accepting WAPNP, along with Tiwai Island and Gola Forest National Park, as tentative sites for World Heritage designation. This status underscores the park’s importance both nationally and internationally.
Current Challenges
Despite its protected status, WAPNP has been subject to ongoing deforestation—primarily due to urban encroachment, infrastructure development, and the lingering environmental impacts of the civil war. This degradation poses grave threats to biodiversity, water security, and the long-term sustainability of Sierra Leone’s natural resources.