In a significant advancement for environmental conservation and community development, Sierra Leone has officially launched the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR). This newly formed trade association aims to unify the major private-sector carbon developers in the country, representing six of the largest organizations dedicated to carbon development. The ACCR is set to commence its operations in November 2024, providing a unified voice for the private sector in discussions and consultations regarding carbon finance in Sierra Leone.
The launch event took place at the Sierra Leone National Forest and Climate Forum, held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown. The forum was themed “Protect Sierra Leone: For Nature and People,” emphasizing the dual focus of the ACCR on environmental preservation and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. Ben Hampson, the Chairman of the ACCR and Business Development Director at Rainforest Builder, spoke to the press, highlighting the importance of collaboration among carbon developers. He stated that the ACCR will serve as a single voice for the private sector, ensuring that the interests of its members are effectively represented in discussions surrounding carbon finance.
The ACCR comprises six founding members, all of which have made substantial investments in carbon development projects throughout Sierra Leone. These members include West Africa Blue, Rainforest Builder, Rewilding, Freetown the Treetown, Del Agua, and Gola Rainforest. Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in working alongside local communities to restore the natural ecosystem while simultaneously improving livelihoods. Hampson noted that these companies attract climate finance from some of the largest corporations in the world, channeling these funds into rural Sierra Leone to support community development and environmental restoration.
The primary objective of the ACCR is to collaborate closely with the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a fair and equitable operating environment for carbon development projects. This partnership aims to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the opportunities generated by these initiatives, which include job creation, economic development, and ecosystem restoration. Hampson emphasized that the members of ACCR collectively employ around 4,500 individuals in Sierra Leone, highlighting the significant impact of their work on local employment and economic stability.
In addition to job creation, the ACCR members have collectively planted over 3.5 million trees and are in the process of delivering more than a quarter of a million cookstoves to rural communities. This commitment to environmental sustainability is coupled with a focus on improving community health and well-being. Hampson reiterated the shared mantra of ACCR members: to restore and preserve the environment while enhancing the livelihoods of the rural communities in which they operate. This holistic approach encompasses job creation, skills development, increased agricultural yields, and improved health outcomes for local populations.
Moreover, Hampson stressed that each company involved with the ACCR adheres closely to the Customary Land Rights Act of 2022. This ensures that they engage in a full free, prior, and informed consent process with all adult community members before undertaking any projects. This commitment to transparency and community involvement is essential for building trust and fostering collaboration between carbon developers and local communities.
Hampson also expressed gratitude for the positive relationships that ACCR has established with various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Environment, Finance, Trade, and Energy, as well as Agriculture, Land, Local Government, Justice, and Youth. These partnerships are crucial in creating a broad positive impact on the lives of many Sierra Leoneans.
In conclusion, Hampson commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its efforts in legislating the carbon market framework and establishing a Carbon Market Office. He expressed optimism about working closely with the government to expedite the flow of carbon finance and community benefits to Sierra Leone, emphasizing the importance of swift action to achieve the goals of the ACCR and enhance the country’s environmental and economic landscape. The establishment of the ACCR marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable development and climate resilience.
