By Nasratu Kargbo
A new National Plastic and Plastic Waste Management Bill will soon be introduced in Parliament, according to President Julius Maada Bio.
He made this revelation at the State Opening of the second session of the sixth parliament on the 6th August 2024. Bio said the bill will be developed to address the pressing issue of plastic waste in the country.
Highlighting some of the significant environmental management initiatives that the government has undertaken, the President mentioned sustainable forestry, reforestation, carbon sequestration assessments, and access to voluntary carbon credit markets as some of the efforts undertaken to curb issues of climate change.
“We have also taken strong action against illegal activities, dismantling 80 dredges and arresting 25 individuals involved in illegal mining,” he said.
He spoke of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF) within the Office of the President, which he established, explaining that the initiative recognises the interconnected priorities of climate change, renewable energy, and food security. Bio added that PI-CREF is aimed at ensuring there is policy coherence, mobilized international partnerships and resources, advocacy and support implementation across government agencies.
“These efforts are vital for addressing climate impacts, achieving sustainable energy access, and enhancing food and nutrition resilience,” he noted.
In addition, the President mentioned several institutions that have been making significant progress in ensuring climate change issues and other related issues are addressed. He stated that National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has been working diligently to monitor and conserve the country’s natural parks and mangroves.
Bio explained that the rising frequency of adverse weather patterns that is driven by global climate change brings significant economic, social, and environmental risks. He noted that this led to the establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
He said: “Over the past year, the NDMA has worked with communities to assess risks and respond to disasters, developing a comprehensive Disaster Risk Financing Strategy. Further measures will be presented to this House”.
The President also mentioned Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, that now provides tailored forecasts for various sectors based on real-time data.
“Addressing climate change is not just an option, it is a necessity in a climate- vulnerable country like Sierra Leone. The catastrophic potential of climate- related events can erase decades of development in an instant. Ignoring the climate means courting disaster, and there will be no country to enjoy or be proud of if we fail in this duty,” the President insisted.
The predominant use of plastics and their unregulated and reckless disposition have led to tons of the material clogging waterways and coastal areas of particularly the Western Area where the capital, Freetown is located.
Environmentalists and marine experts have over the years expressed concern about the dangers posed to marine life and human health as a result of such plastics floating in waters.
Many countries around the world have prohibited the use of plastics, opting instead the use of paper bags which are considered easily disposable, environmentally friendly and less hazardous.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (12/08/24)
