The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of Sierra Leone has officially entered into a strategic partnership with global non-profit organization Conservation International. The agreement was formalized this week at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Sierra Leone’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Jiwoh E. Abdulai, and the CEO of Conservation International, Dr. M. Sanjayan. The partnership marks a significant step toward realizing Sierra Leone’s ambitious climate goals and sustainable development priorities.
“This is more than just a commitment—it’s a shared vision to align conservation with national development,” said Minister Abdulai. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient Sierra Leone.”
As part of the agreement, Conservation International will establish a permanent presence in Freetown and collaborate directly with the Ministry to:
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Strengthen Sierra Leone’s environmental legislation and policy frameworks,
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Build local capacity through knowledge transfer and institutional support, and
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Expand the protection of vital ecosystems, including forests, marine habitats, and biodiversity corridors.
Dr. Sanjayan emphasized the importance of the partnership in addressing global environmental challenges through local solutions. “Sierra Leone’s natural resources are globally significant. By working together, we can help safeguard these ecosystems while promoting sustainable development that benefits communities and the climate.”
The partnership is expected to usher in a new era of environmentally responsible growth in Sierra Leone, aligning national efforts with global environmental priorities.
The agreement comes at a critical time as countries around the world face mounting pressure to take bold climate action and protect shrinking biodiversity. With this collaboration, Sierra Leone reinforces its commitment to being at the forefront of global climate leadership in West Africa
