In a significant milestone for environmental protection in Sierra Leone, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has obtained an additional $100,000 in funding under the leadership of Dr. Abubaker S. Massaquoi. This funding injection, approved during the 93rd Executive Committee Meeting of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Montreal, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing commitment to combatting ozone depletion and mitigating climate change effects.
The EPA’s success in securing this funding can be attributed to the tireless efforts of its Ozone and Climate Change teams, along with collaborative support from UNIDO and other stakeholders. Mariatu Abionor Swaray and various partners have played instrumental roles in advocating for and sustaining these crucial initiatives.
The allocated funds will play a crucial role in advancing Sierra Leone’s objectives outlined in the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, aimed at protecting the ozone layer and phasing out harmful substances. Specifically, the EPA will utilize the funding to implement a comprehensive HFC Phase Out Management Plan and bolster efforts to promote energy efficiency across the country. Among the key priorities supported by this funding are legislative revisions to regulate the consumption of harmful substances, the establishment and operationalization of service centres, the provision of training courses, equipment upgrades, and intensified public outreach campaigns.
These initiatives collectively aim to foster the adoption of long-term, low-global Warming Potential (GWP) solutions and accelerate the transition towards ozone-friendly technologies. Dr. Abubaker S. Massaquoi, the newly appointed leader of the EPA, expressed gratitude for the support received and reiterated Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to international agreements addressing environmental challenges. With this funding boost, the EPA is poised to make significant strides in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
The EPA’s securing of $100,000 in additional funding, represents a remarkable achievement, signalling a promising trajectory for environmental conservation efforts in Sierra Leone. As the nation continues to prioritize environmental stewardship, collaborations with international partners and stakeholders will remain pivotal in driving progress towards a greener, more sustainable future.
