Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to the global 30×30 conservation agenda. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, represented Sierra Leone at a high‑level 30×30 Leaders Event held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The high‑level engagement drew renewed attention to the global aim of protecting 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development. For Minister Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai the 30×30 agenda means more, than a percentage. It represents a responsibility to safeguard Sierra Leone’s heritage strengthen community resilience and leave a healthier environment for generations yet unborn. For Sierra Leone the 30×30 agenda is especially important.
The country faces growing pressures on its forests, wetlands, coastal areas and marine ecosystems. These natural resources are vital to biodiversity and climate resilience. They also provide food, income and livelihoods for thousands of Sierra Leonean communities. Under the leadership of Minister Jiwoh Abdulai Sierra Leone continues to stress that conservation must go beyond simply designating protected areas. It must also recognize the role of communities as equal partners in protecting and managing Sierra Leone’s natural resources. The Minister has consistently stated, in engagements since 2025 that protecting 30 percent of Sierra Leone’s land and ocean by 2030 is not an international target. It is a commitment to people, nature and future generations. Minister Jiwoh Abdulai’s participation in the New York engagement places Sierra Leone’s priorities within a wider global conversation.
It shows how countries can accelerate nature protection while ensuring that conservation delivers benefits for communities. To achieve the 30×30 ambition Sierra Leone must take action. This includes protecting and restoring forests, mangroves, wetlands, rivers, coastal ecosystems and marine habitats. It also requires community participation, better environmental governance and climate‑resilient development. Minister Abdulai’s ongoing advocacy for a people‑centered approach to conservation comes at a time when Sierra Leone is seeking solutions to environmental degradation, climate change, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss and pressure on natural resources. Sierra Leone’s message at the United Nations is clear: a resilient Sierra Leone depends on ecosystems, empowered communities and sustained environmental action. As the global community moves toward 2030 Sierra Leone’s participation in the 30×30 Leaders Event shows the country’s determination to remain part of the effort to protect nature while advancing sustainable development.
