Freetown, 9th June, 2026 – Sierra Leone has formally joined the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), with the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and Conservation International launching the country’s chapter at Family Kingdom under the theme “United for Healthy Mangroves, Resilient Communities, Sustainable Future.”
The inaugural meeting brought together government officials, district leaders, conservation practitioners and community representatives from across Sierra Leone, underscoring the scale of national commitment to mangrove protection.
Professor Dr. Okonor Williams, chairing the programme, warned that local sites such as Aberdeen Creek are severely degraded, urging stronger stewardship and citing Senegal’s progress as a model.
Deputy NPAA Executive Director Dwight Z. K. Sheriff reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding mangrove ecosystems, stressing that coordinated national action and multi‑stakeholder partnerships are essential to protect livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience.
From Conservation International, Mathias Okoku, Financial Director for West & Central Africa, highlighted the need to combine science, finance and community engagement to scale up mangrove protection.
NPAA Wetlands Manager Madam Yatta Kamara outlined the GMA’s global vision and explained how Sierra Leone’s chapter will align national priorities with international strategy.
District leaders including Mohamed Mansaray (Kambia), Sorie Gbawuru Sillah (Moyamba), Paramount Chief Alikali Melos Opapa III (Loko), and representatives from Bonthe and Freetown City Council presented local priorities and concerns, ensuring grassroots voices were part of the national dialogue.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a national communique, officially establishing the Sierra Leone chapter. Deputy Minister of the Environment Hon. Mima Yema Mimi Sobba‑Stephens declared the chapter launched, urging continued collaboration among government agencies, partners and communities.
Looking ahead, stakeholders agreed the chapter will focus on, scaling restoration across degraded sites, strengthening policy coordination at national and district levels, improving community livelihoods linked to healthy mangrove ecosystems and mobilising resources for long‑term conservation.
The launch marks a significant step toward a coordinated national response to conserve Sierra Leone’s coastal wetlands, at a time when mangroves face mounting pressure from development and climate change.
