5 million Euros for Sierra Leone to become REDD + ready
The 5th of December, 2013, marked the commencement of a two day inception workshop and the launching of a scheme called Reducing the Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation [REDD +] and capacity building project in Sierra Leone, a project that is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) and supported by the European Union (EU) through the Climate Change Alliance.
The occasion which drew participants from various organizations was held at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium in Freetown.
Giving an overview of the project, the Imprest Administrator REDD + Mr. Amos Kamara, maintained that the project came about after Sierra Leone ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2008.
He further stated that the NSCC was tasked to develop a climate change policy and establish effective regulatory frameworks and procedures to support the future implementation of the project.
He pointed out that although concepts such as REDD +, OR Carbon are not yet defined in the national legal framework, the Agriculture Ministry will pilot the project at the national level.
He reaffirmed that the project will strengthen the Forestry Division of the Ministry and promote a low carbon emission initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay, described the occasion as a milestone in the history of Sierra Leone, adding that he was happy to report that the project was first tabled by his Ministry in March 2011.
He stated that they aim to develop a national concept, noting that the project has gone through the development cycle. He maintained that the project will contribute significantly to low carbon emission and favour poor people in the country.
The Minster revealed that the project has received five million Euros which according to him will go a long way to help Sierra Leone become REDD + ready, as it will be able to utilize the stated amount and solve the hazards of climate change.
He pointed out that the project has a pro-poor approach and maintained that the level of awareness of climate change has increased significantly especially among women and children. The Minister explained that the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] is a major element of the project although it was his Ministry that was taking the lead in its implementation.
He also revealed that there is a Conservation Trust Fund to support the initial protected area beginning with the Gola Forest which is now a national park.
he explained that they have engaged all persons engaged in the timber and charcoal businesses to plant at least two trees for any one they cut.
He encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to be very mindful about how they use their climate so that they can preserve their environments and reverse the trends of climate change,
In his statement, a representative of the European Union (EU), Mr. John Peru predicted that at the end of the workshop Sierra Leoneans will be able to implement the project fully.
He paid tribute to the Agriculture Ministry for pioneering the implementation of the project.
On his own part, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Conservation Society, stated that the project is of great interest to his organization as their major objective is to promote the wise use of the country’s ecosystem.
By Abdulai Mento Kamara
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