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Introduction of program
The Protect Sierra Leone Program, launched by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, represents a bold and ambitious initiative aimed at safeguarding the nation’s rich biodiversity and natural resources. Among its many goals, this program is dedicated to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 30x30 targets, which aim to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.
By focusing on sustainable conservation practices, habitat restoration, and community engagement, Protect Sierra Leone aspires to create a resilient and thriving environment where both nature and communities can flourish. This initiative underscores the nation's commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems for future generations while contributing to global biodiversity goals.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the visionary plans the Ministry has developed for the future of Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone's biodiversity is rich and integral to its people
The territory is home to important flora and fauna
55%
Permanent forest
Including woodlands, moist tropical forests and mangrove forests
2,700+
Red list species
Including chimpanzees and elephants
Our marine space is critical for the country
69%
of Sierra Leone’s territory is marine area
12%
of GDP contribution from fishing
80%
of animal protein intake is from seafood
and protecting these resources has been important to Sierra Leone…
9%
of terrestrial areas protected
<2%
of Sierra Leone's economic exclusive zone is classified as Marine Protected Areas
4 agencies
under the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change overseeing conservation efforts
However, our nature is under severe threat…
Deforestation
Pervasive through all types of forest, and caused by many drivers including farming, wood fuel and logging
Deterioration of threatened species population
Over 95% of species do not have enough of their range protected to safeguard survival
Plastic pollution
10K metric tonnes of plastic waste reaches the ocean every year, threatening human health and marine ecosystems
Overfishing
A lot of fishing activity is unreported and unregulated. Some fish stocks are overexploited or already collapsed
2.2% per year
Deforestation is pervasive through all types of permanent forest cover
2.5% /year
Moist tropical forest
1.8% /year
Woodlands
1.0% /year
Mangrove
And we need to do more to protect our land and marine space
Sierra Leone aims to conserve ~1 Mha land in four integrated landscapes by 2030
This will be ~15% of its terrestrial land
Sierra Leone aims to create ~700 kha of community forest
This will be ~10% of its terrestrial land
Sierra Leone aims to offer alternative cooking solutions for ~1.3M households to reduce deforestation pressure
Sierra Leone wants to ensure sustainable management of its marine ecosystems and resources
Protect ~110-150 kha of mangrove forests and 230-270 kha of surrounding coastal areas. Restore ~5-10 kha of mangrove forests
Protect Sierra Leone program will require a cross-societal approach
Protect Sierra Leone program will require a cross-societal approach
To bring this vision to reality, an estimated 800M USD funding is needed by 2030
Potential nature conservation program costs
USD M until 2030
To bring this vision to reality, an estimated 800M USD funding is needed by 2030
This investment will deliver massive socio-economic and ecological benefits for the people of Sierra Leone
This investment will deliver massive socio-economic and ecological benefits for the people of Sierra Leone
Roadmap to 2030
Roadmap to 2030
This investment will deliver massive socio-economic and ecological benefits for the people of Sierra Leone
Our planned roadmap towards achieving our vision
Program sponsors
Jiwoh E. Abdulai
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Realising our 30x30 goals is a shared responsibility, and together we can create a sustainable future where nature thrives
Thomas F Kamara
Executive Director, National Protected Area Authority
Our 30x30 program is an important milestone to safeguard our most critical biodiversity, for the people and nature
Kate Garnett
Director of Forestry
Investing in tomorrow: Safeguarding our natural resources today is an investment in a resilient and prosperous future for our communities, and all fauna and flora species
Elizabeth Hawa
Permanent Secretary
Our 30x30 program displays our commitment to conserving nature in all its glory: Evert small effort contributes to a larger legacy of sustainability and harmony
Website will go live on
17 March 2025 at 12:00 am GMT
Stay connected
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at info@protectsierraleone.com ✉, if you have any questions