Interview : In Sierra Leone, the NPAA on the front line for the preservation of marine ecosystems with the support of RAMPAO – Interview  

Could you please tell us about your role within the National Protected Areas Authority and the key responsibilities associated with managing wetlands and marine ecosystems in Sierra Leone? 

 

I lead the Wetland and Marine Ecosystems department at the NPAA, where I coordinate various programs and collaborate with, other agencies, local communities, as well as women and youth groups across Sierra Leone. The mission of managing wetlands and marine ecosystems in Sierra Leone is to protect and conserve coastal and inland wetland landscapes and biological resources, raise public awareness on the sustainable use of these resources, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, we work to enhance climate change resilience and the national common good of wetland resources.  

What are the main threats facing biodiversity and marine and coastal ecosystems in your country?  And What efforts is the NPAA making to combat these threats? 

The main threats to biodiversity and marine and coastal ecosystems in Sierra Leone include traditional farming practices in nutrient-rich wetland ecosystems, human settlement expansion, erosions and sedimentation, pollution, increasing demand for fuelwood and charcoal production, salt extraction, unregulated fishing, species hunting, and extractive mining activities. 

The NPAA is addressing these challenges through community sensitization and awareness-raising initiatives, deploying Game Guards to patrol and protect wetlands and marine ecosystems, and implementing restoration programs for coastal and mangrove forests.  In addition, we focus on species management and the promotion of alternative livelihoods. Weare also enhancing management plans, developing community co-management agreements, apprehending and deterring encroachers and illegal users, and drafting regulations that establish processes, levies, fines, fees, and penalties.  

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play an important role in managing threats to coastal wetlands by legally protecting a network of four critical coastal landscapes in the country. These MPAs help safeguard endangered aquatic species, coastal landscapes, and resources from illegal access and degradation.

How does the NPAA collaborate with RAMPAO in the management of protected areas and marine and coastal ecosystems? The NPAA has received FFEM funding through RAMPAO for the implementation of “Small Projects”. What are your impressions of the “Small Projects” program?  

RAMPAO has been a critical partner of NPAA in developing strategic action plans for the management of MPA in the West African subregion, establishing a national framework of MPA management. They have also provided technical and financial support for managing coastal wetlands in Sierra Leone through various projects 

The ‘’ Small Projects’’ initiatives offer a vital and flexible funding line that addresses the challenges and threats faced by RAMPAO members in MPAs management, particularly in Sierra Leone. This funding has allowed us to implement small scale activities that demonstrate viability and sustainability, with the potential for expansion to a larger scale if additional resources become available.  

In 2024, the NPAA was awarded a grant of 12,000 USD for the ‘’Restoration of degraded mangrove ecosystem in the Ribbi Chiefdom Coastal Area” project. The initiative aimed to resto 3.7 hectares of degraded mangrove forest in Ribbimen, a community within the Yawri Bay MPA in Ribbi Chiefdom, Moyamba District.

The project’s objectives included restoring mangrove habitats, protecting against further mangrove loss, improving water management to reduce flooding, and enhancing aquatic species habitats for improved biodiversity. A total of 26,500 mangrove propagules have been planted, with growth monitored and protected by local community members.  

This project has raised awareness and strengthened the commitment of local individuals and communities toward restoring and protecting degraded coastal areas. Mangrove restoration and awareness-raising activities are important in fostering coastal protection and habitat restoration for fish and other aquatic species spawning and feeding. 

What concrete results have the “Small Projects” achieved on the ground in terms of marine ecosystem conservation?  How would you assess the impact of these projects on local communities depending on these ecosystems? 

The project has enhanced the capacity of community residents in mangrove restoration, growth tracking, and protection, as well as improved their knowledge and awareness on the importance of coastal ecosystems conservation to their livelihoods and wellbeing. Impressively, all 26,400 planted propagules are thriving with a 100% survival rate, thanks to the care and maintenance by the local communities. Additionally, direct cash transfers were made to participating communities and individuals to support alternative livelihoods.  

The Ribbimen community greatly appreciated this payment, viewing them as a more viable option compared to small-scale rice farming. Typically, rice yield would last only 2-3 months for consumption after harvest. However, the restoration payment allowed each worker to receive a bag of rice every month for up to 6 months during the project’s duration. 

Has there been progress in restoring coastal ecosystems because of these projects?  Tell us about it!   What are the main challenges you have encountered while implementing these projects?  

A total of 26,400 propagules have been planted in 3.7 Hectares of land, achieving an impressive 100% survival rate. This success has helped restore the ecological integrity of the mangrove ecosystem in the region.

However, given the grant’s size, the project’s scale remains relatively small compared to the vast extent of degraded areas and communities in the Ribbi Chiefdom. Additionally, access to these degraded areas for restoration activities was ichallende  by heavy rains and tidal floods. 

 How are local communities, fishermen, and other stakeholders actively involved in these projects? Are there opportunities to strengthen or expand these initiatives to other marine protected areas in Sierra Leone?  

Community leaders and residents were actively engaged in identifying the restoration site, as well as selecting youth and women as planters and trackers. The project partnered with the Sierra Leone Artisanal Fishermen’s Union (SLAFU), which represents all fishermen in the MPA. SLAFU played an important role, particularly in the awareness raising component. Additionally, the Sierra Leone Maritime Police and the Navy wing office supported the project’s implementation to promote the wellbeing of our coastal environment.  

The project successfully demonstrated the viability and sustainability of mangrove restoration in both the Chiefdom and Yawri Bay MPA. This success provides an opportunity for further investments and large-scale activities not just within the Yawri Bay MPA but also   in other MPAs across Sierra Leone. Other communities in the Ribbbi Chiefdom have shown strong interest in participating in the restoration program.  

Identifying opportunities for payment for ecosystem services has now become a key target for the NPAA. However, even within the community where the restoration took place, the project addressed less than 25% of the degraded areas. The total degraded areas exceed 50 hectares, yet only 3.7 hectares were restored, underscoring the need for expanded restoration efforts. 

What key lessons have you learned from projects that have already been implemented?  

Implementing mangrove restoration activities is both time-consuming and costly. Therefore, the timing of grant disbursement for similar programs must align with the planning processes to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, more resources should be allocated to extend the monitoring and tracking period of planted mangrove propagules, as this is the most critical aspect of the entire restoration process.  

It is also essential for projects to invest in community capacity building and ensure their direct participation in restoration activities. Creating Incentives is important to encourage the transition into alternative livelihoods that protect coastal ecosystems and biodiversity.