Ministry Of The Environment & Climate Change

11/08/2026

*Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Sets to have a Climate Change Law.*

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has conducted a stakeholder engagement on 11th August, 2026, at the New Brookfields Hotel which brought together Members of Parliament, Paramount Chiefs, Directors and Staff of relevant government institutions, Development Partners, representatives of CSOs, NGOs, Private Sector and other stakeholders.

The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen the coordination of climate-related policies and programmes, clarify institutional responsibilities and establish a more structured framework for climate action, adaptation and resilience.

The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework for addressing climate change, with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, stressing the need for legislation that reflects the realities, priorities and aspirations of communities across the country.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the proposed climate change legislation, Minister Abdulai described the initiative as a critical step towards strengthening Sierra Leone’s response to the growing social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change.

He said the proposed legislation would establish a clear guide for the country’s response to climate change while strengthening coordination among government institutions, local authorities, development partners, civil society organisations,
the private sector and communities.

“The impact of climate change in our society is real, and we are here as part of the process of putting in place the ground rules for how we respond to climate change,” the Minister stated.

He emphasized that the development of the proposed legislation is an inclusive consultation process designed to ensure that citizens and key stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to contribute to the formulation of the law.

According to the Minister, the Government has taken the consultation process to districts across the country, engaging local authorities, community leaders and citizens to gather their views, concerns and recommendations.

Minister Abdulai said the extensive consultations are intended to ensure that the proposed legislation is grounded in the experiences and realities of Sierra Leoneans, particularly communities increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, including flooding, coastal erosion, land degradation, deforestation and other environmental challenges.

He noted that climate change required a coordinated national response involving Parliament, government institutions, development partners, regional bodies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

The Minister therefore called for continued collaboration among stakeholders as the country works towards developing legislation capable of providing a strong legal and institutional foundation for climate action.

Minister Abdulai stressed that the participation of such a broad range of stakeholders is essential to ensuring that the proposed law enjoys broad national ownership and effectively responds to the country’s climate vulnerabilities.

Minister Abdulai’s call for broad-based participation comes as the Government advances efforts towards finalising a dedicated legal framework that could shape Sierra Leone’s climate policy and institutional response for years to come.

He urged stakeholders to remain actively engaged throughout the legislative process, stressing that the success of the initiative would depend not only on the enactment of the law, but also on collective ownership, effective coordination and implementation.

10/08/2026

12/07/2026

The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change launches the project titled: "Enhancing Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation for Koinadugu and Falaba Districts."

The Sierra Leone Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai has on the 7th July, 2026, launched the project titled: 'Enhancing Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation through Innovative Financing for Integrated Climate Resilience in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts' in Sierra Leone, with funding support from UNDP/GEF. The launching took place at the two day project inception meeting with key stakeholders including MDAs, UNDP, Security Sector, Revered Paramount Chiefs, women and other Community Stakeholders at the Koinadugu District Council Hall.

The purpose of the meeting was to engage all partners and stakeholders on the project goals, components, expected results and theory of change, validate work plan and implementation arrangements, confirm safeguards, gender inclusion, knowledge management and communication and monitoring and evaluation plans amongst others.

Speaking at the project inception meeting, the Host Paramount Chief, PC Gbawuru Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom in Koinadugu District, called on the Minister to support local farmers with tree planting activities. He assured that the communities would serve as strong partners to embrace and implement the project sustainably.

The UNDP Programme Specialist, Amara Salami Kanu acknowledged that the project is funded by UNDP /GEF and implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. He noted that the project is a community driven initiative which would focus on restoring degraded areas around Loma mountain Lake Sonfon and orher depleted forest reserves. He noted that the project would also consider innovative financing which would help community people, especially women, artisinal miners and other farmers to stop destroying the forests. "This project is aligned with the Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program which is the vision of the United Nation Decade Action on Ecosystem Restoration and the Global Conservation programme which requires update into these platforms so that they will track on progress, weather restoration, policy reforms, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement which have to be reported to these platforms which the project is aligned to", he maintained. He said UNDP is concerned about environmental social safeguards in order for stakeholders to be aware and contribute to identify and refine the risks at disclosure level, and also to be aware about the mitigation actions towards the identified risks on environmental compliance.

The Programme Specialist emphasized for community actions to make the project sustainable to protect all protected areas within the two Districts.

The project Coordinator, Mrs. Boi- Baindu Robin said the project requires collaborative efforts among stakeholders as they have been affected by climate change. She said the inception meeting is to officially launch the project for the beneficiary communities. She disclosed that there are many opportunities which the communities would benefit from. She said the project will be implemented with community led approach.

The Head of Falaba District Women Network, Mrs. Fatmata Baby Turay considered climate actions as women driven actions. Sequel to this, she underscored the significance of supporting women to adopt Climate-Smart farming practices such as tree planting and other sustainable alternatives activities to sustain their livelihoods.

She said women are now integrating to lead climate actions within their communities in Falaba District due largely to the climate impact on their livelihoods. She on behalf of her female colleagues appealled for more support for women inclusion to climate projects, and strengthen capacity-building trainings that would enhance their livelihoods sustainability.

Delivering the Keynote statement, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai informed the stakeholders that the Ministry remained committed to not only formulating policies but to source funding to address environmental challenges at community level. He noted that the project is to help prevent early disaster and to protect the forest sustainably so that it could provide the needed services like water, food, and improve agriculture to sustain livelihoods within the two districts.

The Minister said government has considered these Districts as the favourite beneficiaries to the project due to the rate at which their forest covers and wetlands have been seriously depleted. He maintained that as the districts host some of the protected areas notably Wara Wara mountain, Loma mountain, Lake Sonfon and other protected areas, he called on stakeholders to embrace the project so that future generations would also benefit from their natural resources. He reemphasized that the project would be a community driven one with active community participation.

The Minister acknowledged the roles of the Paramount Chiefs as partners in development who should take precautionary measures to protect the forests against indiscriminate logging. He disclosed that the transformative step undertaken by the Ministry is to grant concession areas for sustainable logging. He noted that the project is about how the Ministry and its partners would work together, whilst looking forward to having community bye -laws in place for community led actions to manage the forest resource effectively. He continued that this approach would leverage economic growth and livelihoods sustainability through carbon credit opportunities. Sequel to this, he said the Ministry is undertaking field assessments to fully understand the current status of the country's forest through the implementation of the National Forest Inventory project.

He entreated all stakeholders to cherish and own the project with the goal of restoring the degraded areas in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts.

Compiled by: Samuel Konkofa Koroma, The Knowledge Management and Communication Expert, and Lahai Kpaka Senior Information Officer MoECC.

26/06/2026

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Declares the Protection of the Environment Requires Intergenerational Concern.

Comm Unit/MoECC

The Deputy Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens affirmed that the wetlands, mountains, beaches, and biodiversity are national treasures entrusted not only for the benefit of the current generation but should be protected for generations yet unborn.
She made this declaration at the Youth Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Training Initiative held at the Milton Margai Campus.

This remarkable event brought together Ministries Departments, and Agencies, Leturers, and students under the theme: "Climate Change and Environmental Duty of Care".

The goal of the training is to strengthen university students' knowledge, awareness, and practical understanding of climate resilience, environmental stewardship and sustainable adaptation approach.

Delivering her statement as a Guest Speaker, Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens commended the organizers for investing in the country's greatest asset—"our young people". She affirmed that preservation of the environment required concerted efforts from all and sundry in society whilst recognizing the initiative as not more than just a training programme but an investment in the future leaders, innovators, environmental defenders, and climate champions of Sierra Leone.

"Today's theme reminds us that caring for our environment is not merely a government responsibility—it is a shared duty. Every citizen has an obligation to protect the natural resources upon which our lives and livelihoods depend", she affirmed.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental and Climate Change acknowledged the environmental consequences Sierra Leone is already experiencing in terms of devastating impacts through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, sea level rise, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increasing threats to food security and public health. She furthered that these challenges affected everyone which could place an even greater burden on young people, who would inherit both the consequences of today's actions and the responsibility of shaping tomorrow's solutions. In line with this, she considered youth training as an essential event.

"Young people possess the creativity, energy, technological skills, and innovative spirit needed to transform our environmental challenges into opportunities. Across our country, we are already witnessing inspiring examples of youth leading tree planting campaigns, promoting recycling and waste management, educating communities on environmental protection, developing climate-smart agricultural practices, creating green businesses, and using digital technology to raise awareness on climate action. As young leaders, you can demonstrate that age is never a barrier to making meaningful change", she noted.

Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens acknowledged the visionary leadership of H.E President Bio for placing environmental protection, climate resilience, and youth empowerment at the centre of the national development agenda. Similarly, she maintained that President Bio has become one of Africa's respected voices on climate justice, and had consistently advocated for increased climate finance, equitable global climate action, protection of vulnerable countries, and stronger international partnerships to address the impacts of climate change on developing nations at global level.

The Deputy Minister was unequivocal on the country's significant progress in strengthening environmental governance and climate resilience.
She disclosed that the Ministry has enhanced national climate policies, strengthened climate coordination, promoted ecosystem restoration, supported sustainable land management, expanded climate adaptation initiatives, and mobilised international partnerships to support climate-resilient development, and also advanced national awareness campaigns on environmental protection, encouraged climate education, supported community resilience programmes, and worked closely with local councils, civil society, development partners, and young people to build climate-resilient communities across the country.

"The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone continues to play a leading role in enforcing environmental regulations, conducting environmental impact assessments, promoting responsible waste management, combating pollution, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that development activities remain environmentally sustainable. The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency has significantly improved weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. Through timely weather information and climate services, SLMet helps communities, farmers, fishermen, disaster managers, and policymakers make informed decisions that save lives and protect livelihoods. Equally important is the work of the National Protected Area Authority, which safeguards Sierra Leone's protected areas, forests, wildlife, and unique biodiversity. Through conservation programmes and community partnerships, NPAA ensures that our natural heritage remains protected while supporting sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism opportunities", she stated.

"My message to every young person here is simple: Be ambassadors of environmental responsibility. Be innovators who create sustainable solutions. Be advocates who inspire others. Be leaders who act with integrity. And above all, never underestimate the power of your voice or your actions.
As we move forward, let us embrace collective action. Let this training ignite new ideas, strengthen partnerships, inspire innovation, and empower every participant to become a lifelong champion of environmental stewardship", she concluded.

26/06/2026

*Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Declares the Protection of the Environment Requires Intergenerational Concern.*

Comm Unit/MoECC

The Deputy Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens affirmed that the wetlands, mountains, beaches, and biodiversity are national treasures entrusted not only for the benefit of the current generation but should be protected for generations yet unborn.
She made this declaration at the Youth Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Training Initiative held at the Milton Margai Campus.

This remarkable event brought together Ministries Departments, and Agencies, Leturers, and students under the theme: "Climate Change and Environmental Duty of Care".

The goal of the training is to strengthen university students' knowledge, awareness, and practical understanding of climate resilience, environmental stewardship and sustainable adaptation approach.

Delivering her statement as a Guest Speaker, Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens commended the organizers for investing in the country's greatest asset—"our young people". She affirmed that preservation of the environment required concerted efforts from all and sundry in society whilst recognizing the initiative as not more than just a training programme but an investment in the future leaders, innovators, environmental defenders, and climate champions of Sierra Leone.

"Today's theme reminds us that caring for our environment is not merely a government responsibility—it is a shared duty. Every citizen has an obligation to protect the natural resources upon which our lives and livelihoods depend", she affirmed.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental and Climate Change acknowledged the environmental consequences Sierra Leone is already experiencing in terms of devastating impacts through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, sea level rise, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increasing threats to food security and public health. She furthered that these challenges affected everyone which could place an even greater burden on young people, who would inherit both the consequences of today's actions and the responsibility of shaping tomorrow's solutions. In line with this, she considered youth training as an essential event.

"Young people possess the creativity, energy, technological skills, and innovative spirit needed to transform our environmental challenges into opportunities. Across our country, we are already witnessing inspiring examples of youth leading tree planting campaigns, promoting recycling and waste management, educating communities on environmental protection, developing climate-smart agricultural practices, creating green businesses, and using digital technology to raise awareness on climate action. As young leaders, you can demonstrate that age is never a barrier to making meaningful change", she noted.

Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens acknowledged the visionary leadership of H.E President Bio for placing environmental protection, climate resilience, and youth empowerment at the centre of the national development agenda. Similarly, she maintained that President Bio has become one of Africa's respected voices on climate justice, and had consistently advocated for increased climate finance, equitable global climate action, protection of vulnerable countries, and stronger international partnerships to address the impacts of climate change on developing nations at global level.

The Deputy Minister was unequivocal on the country's significant progress in strengthening environmental governance and climate resilience.
She disclosed that the Ministry has enhanced national climate policies, strengthened climate coordination, promoted ecosystem restoration, supported sustainable land management, expanded climate adaptation initiatives, and mobilised international partnerships to support climate-resilient development, and also advanced national awareness campaigns on environmental protection, encouraged climate education, supported community resilience programmes, and worked closely with local councils, civil society, development partners, and young people to build climate-resilient communities across the country.

"The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone continues to play a leading role in enforcing environmental regulations, conducting environmental impact assessments, promoting responsible waste management, combating pollution, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that development activities remain environmentally sustainable. The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency has significantly improved weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. Through timely weather information and climate services, SLMet helps communities, farmers, fishermen, disaster managers, and policymakers make informed decisions that save lives and protect livelihoods. Equally important is the work of the National Protected Area Authority, which safeguards Sierra Leone's protected areas, forests, wildlife, and unique biodiversity. Through conservation programmes and community partnerships, NPAA ensures that our natural heritage remains protected while supporting sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism opportunities", she stated.

"My message to every young person here is simple: Be ambassadors of environmental responsibility.
Be innovators who create sustainable solutions. Be advocates who inspire others. Be leaders who act with integrity.
And above all, never underestimate the power of your voice or your actions.
As we move forward, let us embrace collective action. Let this training ignite new ideas, strengthen partnerships, inspire innovation, and empower every participant to become a lifelong champion of environmental stewardship", she concluded.

22/06/2026

*Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Conducts Validation and Training Workshop on GIS Maps and Integrated Landscape Management & Biodiversity Conservation.*

Comm Unit/MoECC
Dates: 17-18 June, 2026

The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with UNDP has on the 17th and 18th June,2026, conducted a two day Validation and Training Workshop on Geographic Information System (GIS) Maps and Integrated Landscape Management & Biodiversity Conservation under the project titled “Enhancing Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation through Innovative Financing for Koinadugu and Falaba Districts”.

The Validation and Training Workshop which was held at the Koinadugu District Council Hall, Kabala, brought together different stakeholders including Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, UNDP Sierra Leone technical team and Project Management Unit, Technical staff from EPA-SL, Tacugama, CSSL, revered Paramount Chiefs, Senior Section Chiefs, and Ward Councilors.

The purpose of the two day program was to review and validate the draft GIS maps and the Integrated Landscape Management & Biodiversity Conservation protocols developed under the UNDP-funded project for Koinadugu and Falaba Districts, and to ensure technical accuracy, local ownership, and prepare stakeholders and project team ahead of project implementation.

The workshop was facilitated by an International Consultant, Chris Magero who presented a draft GIS maps that was generated from satellite data and field surveys.

During the session, participants were given enough time to discuss and digest the findings as a way of validation exercise, cross-checking spatial data with local knowledge. In short, the key issues that were discussed involved the depleted Wara Wara Mountain, Lake Sonfon, and unmapped cross border settlements.

The key objectives during the two day session focused on validating the draft GIS maps on land use, degradation hotspots, forest cover, and community boundaries, train district and partner staff on the Integrated Landscape Restoration Protocol Guidelines, agree on priority intervention sites and next steps for field verification and implementation, followed by stakeholders’ participation.

Conclusively, key outcomes were achievable and recommendations proffered. The outputs of the two day sessions provided a strong foundation for evidence-based, community-owned implementation of the project. Solidified continued collaboration between district authorities, traditional leaders, and technical partners who will be critical to sustaining the project.

09/06/2026

The Deputy MInister of the Environment and Climate Change Acknowledges Clean Cooking Technologies as Very Strategic on Climate Action.

Comm Unit/MoECC

The Deputy MInister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens has disclosed that Clean Cooking technologies occupied strategic position due largely to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, curbing deforestation and forest degradation, improving air quality, and enhancing the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people of Sierra Leone.

She made this disclosure at the National Clean Cooking Strategic Plan workshop held on the 9th June, 2026, at the Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown. The event which brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Members of Parliament, Development Partners, Private Sector, and Civil Society Organizations, was organized by the World Bank Group and the Clean Cooking Delivery Unit at the Ministry of Energy to build shared ownership of Sierra Leone's clean cooking agenda and strengthen cross-sectoral commitment to its implementation.

In her opening statement, Hon. Sobba-Stephens noted that access to clean cooking solutions is not merely an energy issue but a matter of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, public health, gender equality, economic empowerment, and social development. She affirmed that the National Clean Cooking Strategic Plan represented a transformative roadmap for addressing one of the most pressing environmental and developmental challenges facing Sierra Leone.

"The National Clean Cooking Strategic Plan therefore provides us with a unique opportunity to transition towards cleaner, safer, more efficient and climate-friendly cooking solutions. It aligns strongly with the mandates of the Ministry, Sierra Leone's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), our national development priorities, and our broader environmental and climate resilience agenda", she maintained.

Hon. Sobba-Stephens reemphasized that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is committed to playing a meaningful and catalytic role in ensuring that the Strategic Plan would be workable and successful. She acknowledged four critical priority areas notably to provide policy leadership and strategic coordination to ensure that clean cooking remains integrated within national climate and environmental frameworks, strengthen collaboration across government institutions to ensure effective implementation, support the mobilization of climate finance and international resources that could help scale up access to clean cooking technologies across both urban and rural communities, and to strengthen public awareness and behavioural change initiatives to encourage the adoption of cleaner cooking practices and technologies.

Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens noted that the Ministry has already made significant progress in promoting clean cooking and sustainable household energy solutions. "Through our climate and environmental programmes, we have consistently advocated for reduced dependence on unsustainable biomass, promote forest conservation initiatives, support climate mitigation interventions, and engaged with partners to explore innovative clean energy solutions for households and communities. As we move forward, we must collectively focus on creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, innovation, affordability, and accessibility of clean cooking technologies. We must ensure that women, youth, rural communities, and vulnerable populations remain at the centre of our interventions. Most importantly, we must translate this Strategic Plan from a policy document into tangible actions that improve lives and protect our environment", she concluded.

30/05/2026

The Deputy MInister of the Environment and Climate Change Addresses Parliamentarians on Climate Finance.

The Deputy MInister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens has addressed Members of Parliament on the Oversight Committee on Environment and Climate Change on Climate Finance during a National Green Investment dialogue in Parliament.

Delivering her keynote address, Hon. Sobba-Stephens acknowledged that the dialogue was not merely about finance but taking cognizance of the future of Sierra Leone in terms of transforming climate vulnerability into climate opportunity, building a resilient economy that protects its people, safeguards it's natural resources, creates jobs for the youth, empowered women and communities, and positions Sierra Leone as a regional leader in green growth and sustainable development.

The Deputy MInister praised His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing climate action and environmental sustainability a national development.

She recognized that climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern but a direct economic, social, and security challenge affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, food systems, health, energy access, and human mobility. She added that the country would continue to experience the harsh realities of climate change through flooding, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation, irregular rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and threats to biodiversity which served as existential risks to communities along Sierra Leone's coastline and island settlements.

"The Government’s strategic vision is clear: we seek to build a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and low-carbon economy that delivers inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for all Sierra Leoneans.
This vision is anchored in our national climate commitments, including our Nationally Determined Contributions, our National Adaptation Plan processes, our Medium-Term National Development Framework, and our broader environmental governance reforms", she affirmed.

Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens considered five key priority
pillars for environmental protection and climate resilience notably, to strengthen ecosystem protection and restoration, accelerating renewable energy access, building climate-resilient
infrastructure, advancing sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions, and to strengthen climate governance, early warning systems, and community resilience.

The Deputy MInister disclosed that government is working to strengthen institutional coordination across ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure more effective climate finance planning and implementation. "We are enhancing our engagement with multilateral climate funds, development finance institutions, bilateral partners, and the private sector. At the same time, we are improving transparency, accountability, and project readiness to ensure Sierra Leone becomes increasingly attractive to climate investors", she emphasized.

She acknowledged that the opportunities for green investment in Sierra Leone are significant and growing thereby considering renewable energy which are vast opportunities for solar mini-grids, off-grid rural electrification, clean cooking technologies, battery storage, and green industrial energy solutions. She furthered that in sustainable agriculture, there are potentials for climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing, irrigation systems, sustainable fisheries, and nature-based solutions that enhance food security while protecting ecosystems.

She noted that resilient transport systems, sustainable urban development, green buildings, coastal resilience infrastructure, and climate-resilient water systems are crucial in infrastructure. She continued that in forestry and carbon markets, Sierra Leone has opportunities to expand reforestation initiatives, blue carbon investments, mangrove protection, and ecosystem restoration programmes that could generate environmental and economic value simultaneously.

She also took into consideration waste management, noting that there is growing potential for private sector engagement in recycling industries, composting, plastic recovery, and waste-to-energy investments.

"This is why public-private partnerships are essential.
The government alone cannot finance the green transition. The private sector must be recognized not simply as a stakeholder, but as a strategic partner in national transformation. We therefore encourage stronger collaboration between government, investors, financial institutions, innovators, local entrepreneurs, and development partners. Our role as government is to create the enabling environment through sound policies, regulatory certainty, institutional coordination, investment incentives, and transparent governance systems that reduce investment risks and encourage long-term confidence", she maintained.

Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens concluded that the green transition is not a burden but an opportunity to modernize the country's economy, create jobs, strengthen resilience, improve public health, attract investment, and build a more secure future for generations to come.