In a groundbreaking development, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and other stakeholders, on Friday, 1st November 2024, unveiled the Blue Economy Strategic Framework, National Action Plan and Communication Strategy at the Conference Hall of the Foreign Service Academy, Tower Hill in Freetown. This marks the country’s first comprehensive approach to harnessing marine and freshwater resources for sustainable economic growth.
The launch attracted key stakeholders from tourism, fisheries and environmental sectors and international partners such as the UNDP, GOAL Sierra Leone and TENN, underscoring its wide-reaching impact.
Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, led the ceremony, describing the initiative as a “transformative vision” set to harness the untapped potential of ocean and inland water resources for growth, emphasising its significance for economic diversification, climate resilience and ecological preservation, aligning it with the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan (2024-2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, on life below water. “This strategy represents a milestone in our journey towards a resilient and inclusive economy,” Barlay remarked, signalling a strategic shift in Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
The collaborative nature of the framework was underscored by the contributions of national and international partners.
James Riak, Country Director for GOAL Sierra Leone, praised MoPED’s coordinating efforts, emphasising the alignment of sectoral goals around sustainable marine resources use, ecotourism and food security. “This strategy ties together our efforts to enhance the lives of coastal communities and preserve their livelihoods,” he underscored, highlighting GOAL’s initiatives in mangrove restoration and food security as practical extensions of the blue economy framework.
The Chief of Operations at TENN hailed the blueprint as a “roadmap to sustainable marine resource management” and called for action. He further urged Sierra Leoneans to “turn the strategy into meaningful outcomes, promoting coordinated efforts across ministries for tangible results.”
The Blue Economy Strategic Framework sets out a roadmap to harness the potential of Sierra Leone’s marine resources through six main areas: food security and economic diversification, marine transportation, environmental conservation, maritime security, blue energy, and governance through science and research.
By prioritising these areas, the strategy aims to increase GDP contributions from marine sectors, create high-value jobs and enhance resilience in coastal communities. Alongside this, the Communication Strategy seeks to engage coastal communities, fostering awareness of marine conservation and the critical connection between ocean health and human well-being.
International partners, particularly Iceland and the International Ocean Institute, commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management. Iceland’s representative expressed an ongoing commitment to collaboration, while André Share, Project Lead for the ACP Abidjan Convention, encouraged the country to draw lessons from successful blue economy initiatives worldwide.
Mrs Princess Dugba, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, praised Minister Barlay and MoPED for their consultative approach, acknowledging the potential of Sierra Leone’s oceans to advance the National Development Plan. She also noted her Ministry’s proactive steps to maximise ocean resources for sustainable development and livelihoods. Emphasising the Ministry’s readiness, she outlined plans to promote sustainable fishing infrastructure and measures against illegal fishing, reinforcing the framework’s goals. “Our commitment to the blue economy is not just about resources; it’s about the livelihoods of future generations,” Dugba stressed.
Minister Barlay, in her keynote address, underscored Sierra Leone’s readiness to embrace the blue economy’s opportunities, describing the framework as a cornerstone in achieving President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers. “We are here to make history by unlocking the wealth of our oceanic resources,” she stated, calling for collective action across government, private sector and development partners, concluding by encouraging stakeholders to support and engage with the framework, envisioning a prosperous, resilient future for Sierra Leone.
The launch also featured remarks from Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Madam Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, who aligned the blue economy strategy with climate resilient efforts and pledged her Ministry’s support for marine conservation initiatives.
Meanwhile, Hilton Leigh Robert from the Ministry of Tourism highlighted ecotourism as a powerful avenue for both preserving marine ecosystems and boosting economic growth.
As the event concluded, a shared optimism permeated the room, with attendees hopeful about the blue economy’s potential to transform Sierra Leone. This historic launch signals a new direction, uniting efforts to create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable blue economy that will uplift Sierra Leone’s coastal communities and foster long-term prosperity.
