By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 30th March 2026- Building on the success of last year’s Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Conference, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) hosted this year’s CLA under the theme: “From Data to Decisions: Strengthening Environmental Governance through Evidence and Insight.” The collaborating learning and adapting conference (CLA)2026 brought together diverse institutions and partners who have the power to influence decisions, strengthen systems and drive sustainable solutions.
In the welcome address, Senior Environment Officer, Environment Protection Agency Eva Boi Mary Jabati emphasized that the gathering was pivotal in shaping the future of environmental governance in Sierra Leone. “This conference is more than just a meeting, it is a platform for reflection, learning and sharing experiences and for shaping the future of environmental governance in Sierra Leone. This theme speaks to where we are as an institution and as a country. For a long time, we have generated data, reports studies and assessments. this conference is a response to the question; how do we turn data to action?” she explained.
Sheku mark Kanneh chief director EPA SL, convener of the event, highlighted the importance of data and how it influences decision making. “These 3 days event will look at how data influence decision making, how data collection is relevant and we utilize it for development purposes.”
Dr Abu-Bakarr S. Massaquoi, Executive chairman of EPA mentioned that one of the goals of this year’s CLA is to Showcase EPA’s key accomplishments from 2025, success stories, and lessons learned, to build trust Investment in EPA’s programmes. He also announced the income the institution generated, calling it a success. “7.3 million dollars was mobilized in climate and environmental finance in 2025. 168.9 million internal revenues, exceeding our annual target by 105% and what we achieved in 2024 was 154 million. We have able been to double our internal revenue in two years and I think it is exciting and for the first time in the country’s history, we have secured 15 million US dollars in mine rehabilitation guarantees,” he said.
In the keynote address, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba Stephens, Deputy minister ministry of environment and climate change Commended the Environment Protection Agency, citing that they have made strides in the environment and climate sector.
“We live in an era defined by complexities, our ecosystems are strained, our communities face unprecedented climate issues and therefore the future of our natural heritage hangs in the balance. Data is crucial in this sector, it is not just numbers, it tells us where we are vulnerable, where we are resilient and where strengthen with urgency. The environment Protection Agency is a successful one and they have done a great job,” she said.
She called on government, agencies, partners, local communities to champion data-based culture in the environment sector, emphasizing the importance of data in shaping decisions.
“I call on all of us present to champion a new culture of evidence based environmental governance. We have made strides in collaboration with our agencies. Collaboration is also key.”
