By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN – In a landmark step toward advancing market-based climate solutions, Sierra Leone has officially launched the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR)—the country’s first industry platform focused on accelerating carbon sector development through public-private collaboration.
The launch event, held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the British High Commission in Freetown, brought together high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, donors, development partners, and private sector leaders. Hosted by British High Commissioner Madam Josephine Gauld LVO, the ceremony marked the formal establishment of a unified national body to represent stakeholders in the country’s emerging carbon credit sector.
About ACCR
The ACCR brings together Sierra Leone’s six largest private carbon developers: West Africa Blue, Rainforest Builder, Rewilding, Freetown the Treetown, Del Agua, and Gola Rainforest. The association was convened by the UK Government-funded Invest Salone programme in response to a request from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. ACCR members work closely with local communities to restore ecosystems, build climate resilience, and generate sustainable livelihoods through carbon finance initiatives.
Voices from the Launch
In her keynote address, British High Commissioner Madam Josephine Gauld lauded Sierra Leone’s carbon market potential, noting its position among the global top 20 in carbon stock growth. She emphasized the sector’s ability to generate revenue, protect natural resources, and foster long-term environmental sustainability.
“This is an exciting opportunity. With a clear framework and the right partnerships, Sierra Leone can become a major destination for climate finance,” she stated, reiterating the UK’s commitment to supporting the country’s green growth agenda.
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Jiwoh Abdulai, echoed the importance of private sector engagement in carbon development. He praised the ACCR’s formation as a timely move toward shaping policy and legislation with inclusive input.
“By organizing themselves, the private sector can now be part of the conversation. We believe in transparent and transformative partnerships to unlock the country’s natural potential,” he said.
A Voice for the Industry
Chairman of ACCR and Business Development Director at Rainforest Builder, Ben Hampson, positioned the association as a collective force driving carbon finance into communities.
“Our members are channeling global climate investments to rural areas, with measurable impacts. Already, they’ve created 4,500 jobs, planted over 4.5 million trees, conserved vast forest and mangrove areas, and delivered 250,000 clean cookstoves,” Hampson shared.
He affirmed that with a national carbon market framework in place, these outcomes could scale exponentially within five years.
Collaborative Growth
The ACCR also outlined its collaborative agenda to enhance project delivery across sectors through resource sharing, innovation, inclusive partnerships, and long-term sustainability. It emphasized the need for a transparent and inclusive national carbon framework to guide investment, build stakeholder trust, and ensure equitable benefit distribution.
The event concluded with an engaging networking session, reinforcing the collective commitment to making Sierra Leone a model for carbon conservation and green development in West Africa.