A coalition of civil society organisations dedicated to environmental stewardship and land rights in Sierra Leone has issued a strong condemnation of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning’s proposal to re-demarcate the Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP). This alarming plan aims to excise 5,000 hectares from the existing protected forest area, which represents a significant 28.9% reduction in size, shrinking the park from 17,185 hectares to just 12,218 hectares.
The WAPNP is not merely a forest; it is a crucial ecological asset that plays a vital role in maintaining the environmental health of the region. It serves as a key catchment area, supplying the majority of water for Freetown and surrounding areas, and is home to numerous endangered species. Furthermore, the park acts as a natural buffer against the increasing impacts of climate change, making its protection essential for both biodiversity and human survival.
The civil society organisations highlighted several grave environmental consequences that could arise from the proposed reduction of the park. Firstly, the excision of land will undermine water security for Freetown’s rapidly growing population. The WAPNP is a critical catchment area for the Guma Valley Dam, the primary source of drinking water for the city. Any further deforestation and degradation of this area could severely compromise both the availability and quality of water, putting countless lives at risk.
Moreover, the proposed reduction threatens to accelerate biodiversity loss within the park. The WAPNP is home to rare and endangered plant and animal species, and shrinking its boundaries would jeopardise these fragile ecosystems. The potential extinction of several species looms large, as their habitats become increasingly fragmented and vulnerable to human encroachment.
Additionally, the civil society organisations expressed concerns about the increased risk of natural disasters, such as landslides and flooding, which have historically plagued Freetown. These disasters are often linked to deforestation, and further encroachment into the park could exacerbate these risks, threatening both human life and property.
Another critical issue raised is the jeopardization of climate resilience. The WAPNP plays a significant role in regulating local temperatures and reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. Its destruction would not only contribute to rising temperatures but also increase the region’s vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change, ultimately impacting the health and safety of communities.
The coalition expressed deep concern regarding the lack of public consultation, transparency, and scientific justification surrounding the proposed changes to the park’s boundaries. They emphasized that decisions with far-reaching implications for national sustainability must be made through inclusive, participatory, and evidence-based processes that engage all stakeholders.
In light of these concerns, civil society organizations are calling on the government to immediately halt any plans to alter the WAPNP boundaries. They urge the authorities to recommit to their international and national obligations to protect biodiversity and natural heritage. Additionally, they have called upon development partners to engage with the government to reverse this detrimental course of action.
The NPAA’s endorsement of the park’s reduction has been characterized as a significant failure to uphold its core mandate, leading the coalition to demand the immediate resignation of the NPAA Executive Director. They are also urging the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning to redirect its efforts towards sustainable land reforms that align with the National Land Policy of 2015, rather than undermining the ecological integrity of the WAPNP.
Furthermore, the coalition is calling on the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, along with relevant agencies, to collaborate with environmental experts, local communities, and civil society in a transparent review of existing forest laws. This review should aim to enhance the protection of critical ecosystems like the WAPNP.
The message from these civil society organisations is clear: the protection of the Western Area Peninsula National Park is non-negotiable. The future of Sierra Leone’s environment, water security, and public safety hinges on the preservation of this vital natural resource. The time for action is now, and the voices of the people must be heard in the fight for environmental justice.
