By: Shout Climate Change Africa
In a landmark move toward environmental inclusivity, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, has announced that local communities will now serve as “equal partners” in the nation’s conservation efforts. The declaration was made in the Well of Parliament during the ratification of the Sierra Leone Community-Based Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Project, underpinned by a Simple, Equitable Revenue Sharing (SERS) Agreement. The move signals a shift in policy, moving away from top-down regulation toward a model of economic stewardship shared with the people who live alongside the nation’s vital ecosystems. Addressing Members of Parliament, Minister Abdulai emphasized that the success of Sierra Leone’s environmental goals rests on acknowledging the “undeniable bond” between the forest and its inhabitants.
“The forest nurtures our watersheds, protects our biodiversity, and sustains local livelihoods,” the Minister stated. He specifically highlighted mangroves as a first line of defence, noting their role in: Coastline Protection: Acting as natural barriers against erosion and rising sea levels. Marine Biodiversity: Serving as critical breeding grounds for fish and other marine species. Economic Stability: Providing the foundational resources for local fishing and foraging economies. “Every tree loss, every mangrove eroded diminishes our resilience and undermines our shared vision,” Abdulai warned. “Local communities will be empowered to be equal partners in this enduring journey.” The ratification of the SERS Agreement is a direct step toward fulfilling a high-level climate pledge.
Last year, at the International Ocean Summit, President Julius Maada Bio committed Sierra Leone to restoring 30,000 hectares of mangroves by 2030. Minister Abdulai was unequivocal in his assessment of the new agreement, stating it is the primary engine that will set the country on the path to achieving this ambitious target. By involving local populations through equitable revenue sharing, the government aims to ensure that conservation is not seen as a restriction, but as a sustainable economic opportunity. The project will initially concentrate its efforts in Kambia District, the Southern Region, specifically targeting the Bonthe and Moyamba Districts within the Sherbro River Estuary. These areas are considered ecological hotspots where mangrove degradation poses an immediate threat to both the environment and the local way of life. Beyond local impact, the Minister framed the project as a message to the international community.
He noted that the initiative serves as a clear signal that Sierra Leone is ready to contribute to global climate action and lead by example in nature restoration. “We are securing a future where forests thrive and the planet endures,” the Minister concluded, marking a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s fight against climate change,one where the heartbeat of the community and the health of the environment are finally in sync. By Parliamentary and Public Relations Department Parliament of Sierra Leone PARLIAMENT RATIFIES AGREEMENT ON MANGROVES CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION The Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Tuesday 5th May 2026, debated and ratified the Agreement on Sierra Leone Community-Based Mangrove Conservation and Restoration for the development of Sierra Leone The following Agreement was ratified by the Parliament of Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone Community-Based Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project SERS (Simple Equitable Revenue Sharing Agreement).
Presenting the agreement to Parliament, the Minister of Environment, Jiwoh Abdulai, described the agreement as a revenue-sharing agreement. He continued that the challenges of climate changes are profound and, therefore, require remedies to address the numerous challenges for the survival of humanity. “Every tree lost undermines the growth of the environment,” he said. The Minister also said that the agreement has set the nation on the path to address climate change challenges across the country. He added that Sierra Leone is ready to remedy climate difficulties through action at the global stage. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, Hon. Yusuf Mackery said the Mangrove agreement is significant and that it would be implemented together with the community.
“The community will benefit from 40% of the total revenue, which is different from previous agreements,” he said. He added that the agreement is between five parties and that the community people are integral to the success of the agreement. He emphasized the significance of the agreement, saying part of the benefits and revenues will go to the community. Hon. Mackery stated the economic benefit of the agreement. “By ratifying this agreement, we are answering the global call to addressing climate challenges,” he concluded. Hon. Unpha Koroma described the agreement as overdue and said it should have come to Parliament long ago. According to him, he said climate challenges are integral and require urgent attention. He joined others in describing the agreement as significant to the nation.
“Community ownership is the part I welcome in the agreement,” he said. Hon. Koroma ended that effective engagement and education on the agreement are essential for the understanding of the people. Hon. Moses Edwin, representing Bonthe District, expressed concerns about the agreement, saying the people have direct benefits from the mangroves and asked about alternative livelihoods for some of the people. He said many times, clauses in previous agreements have not been fulfilled by the institutions responsible. He admonished that the agreement should be fully owned by the people. Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, representing Kambia District, joined his colleagues in calling for alternative means of livelihoods for the people, adding as, many people earn their livelihoods through those mangroves. “If we are to have effective environmental management, line institutions under the Ministry must be supervised by the Ministry of Environment,” he said.
He added that Sierra Leone must not just have laws, but these agreements and laws must be implemented for the effective operations of the state. “We call for more effectiveness in protecting the environment,” he ended. Hon. Zainab Catherine Tarawally, representing Bombali District, emphasized alternative means for those who depend on mangroves to earn a livelihood. She said the people should be fully involved in the implementation of the agreement. Hon. Tarawally assured the Ministry of full cooperation with Parliament to enhancing its oversight functions. Hon. Umu Pyne, representing Moyamba District, stated that Moyamba has many mangroves in different chiefdoms across her district, and those people need assistance to carry out activities to obtain their livelihoods. She asked the Ministry to work with non-governmental organizations in order to prevent pollution.
She said the agreement would create more job opportunities for the youth across the country. Hon. Alice Kumabeh emphasized many activities, including mining activities, which are causing huge pollution across the country. Rounding up the debate on the side of the opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo highlighted the significance of mangroves at the global stage. He said the agreement is specifically about mangroves but further speaks on forest conservation. Looking at the pros and cons of the agreement, Hon. Kargbo said that while the agreement will generate income, due process needs to be followed in addressing climate challenges. Hon. Kargbo also spoke about the need for transparency and accountability, particularly that the 40% promised in the agreement for the people is implemented.
“In as much as the project will create job opportunities, it has weak implementation policies,” he said. Hon. Kargbo continued that effective parliamentary oversight and monitoring are required for the effective operations of the agreement during the 50 years that the project is designed for. He concluded by encouraging the government to ensure fair play in the implementation of the project. Concluding the debate, the Acting Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Dickson Rogers encouraged the Ministry of the Environment to accept recommendations from Members of Parliament, particularly from the opposition. He emphasized the need for the people to own the project in order for them to fully protect the project. “The agreement is not only about protecting the mangroves but also protecting the environment,” he said.
Hon. Rogers assured the people that the agreement will be fully monitored by Parliament for effective implementation. He noted that so many laws have been enacted, but the implementation of these laws has been a major challenge over the years. Hon. Dickson Rogers ended by encouraging the Ministry of the Environment to implement recommendations made by Parliament. Responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament, the Minister acknowledged Parliament for ratifying the agreement and said that recommendations made by the House will be implemented.
