By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone, May 5, 2026: The Parliament of Sierra Leone has postponed ratification of a proposed Community-Based Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project, directing the Ministry of Environment and the project company to hold further consultations before the matter returns to the House.
The decision followed extensive debate on the revenue-sharing agreement, which seeks to protect mangrove ecosystems while creating economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Concerns Over Environmental Governance
Opposition Chief Whip Abdul Karim Kamara raised strong concerns about weak environmental governance and poor enforcement of existing laws. He criticized what he described as “poor coordination” between government institutions, noting that land permits continue to be issued for construction in environmentally sensitive areas, accelerating the destruction of mangroves and forest reserves.
Kamara warned that unchecked degradation of mangroves in the Western Area and other coastal regions is heightening Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate disasters, erosion, and declining fish stocks. “We have passed almost every law necessary to protect the environment, but implementation remains the major challenge,” he stressed, urging stronger oversight and increased budgetary support for environmental institutions.
Support for Community Empowerment
Acting Majority Leader Dickson Rogers welcomed the agreement as a critical sustainable development initiative, emphasizing that mangroves are vital for preventing coastal erosion and serving as breeding grounds for fish. He called for a transparent revenue-sharing mechanism to ensure communities fully benefit from the promised 40 percent share of project proceeds.
Rogers also urged the Ministry to provide alternative drying technologies for fish processors to reduce reliance on mangrove wood as fuel.
Ministry’s Assurances
Minister of Environment Emmanuel Abdulai assured lawmakers that communities would remain central beneficiaries of the project, which aims to restore and protect approximately 18,000 hectares of mangroves in Kambia District. He highlighted plans to introduce improved oyster harvesting technologies and training programs to enhance livelihoods.
Abdulai explained that 40 percent of project revenue would remain within participating communities through employment opportunities and development initiatives. He further assured Parliament of transparency in carbon credit transactions, noting that all dealings would be monitored under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change reporting framework.
Next Steps
After listening to contributions, Speaker of Parliament Segepoh Solomon Thomas announced that the House would suspend further consideration of the agreement until a meeting is held between the Ministry, the company, and relevant parliamentary stakeholders to address outstanding concerns.
The proposed agreement forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader climate resilience and environmental restoration agenda, aimed at safeguarding coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.