By Nasratu Kargbo
The Coordinator of the Blue Economy Project at the non-governmental organisation GOAL Sierra Leone, Benjamin Bockarie has called for the establishment of community by-laws to prevent the cutting down of mangrove trees along the coastal communities, in a bid to mitigate climate issues.
Bockarie made this call on the 30th July 2024 at the launch of the institution’s Blue Economy project to enhance the resilience of rural communities through women-led conservation financial inclusion and livelihood diversification project.
Whilst speaking on the project’s expected outcomes, the Bockarie said “We want to see community bylaws developed towards the protection and conservation of mangroves”. He explained about their focus to increase protection and restoration of mangroves, mentioning how he would like to see other riverine and coastal communities emulate Kasirie- a community in Kambia which has put in place bylaws to stop people from cutting down mangrove trees, an act the community was notorious for over the years.
He stressed that they pay keen focus on restoring mangroves because of their significance to climate change mitigation and adaptation, explaining that it serves as a buffer zone in preventing flooding and increasing productivity of fishing amongst others. Bockarie also stressed the importance of mangroves in sequestering carbon, stating that it is four times more effective than other plants.
He revealed that they have worked with two communities notorious for such practices namely Fogbo and Kasirie where they have planted over seventeen thousand and thirty thousand trees, respectively.
He said they hope to achieve at the end of the project a situation whereby fishermen will have to avoid using mosquito and monofilament nets or dynamite for fishing, instead inculcating sustainable fishing practices.
Highlighting the project’s objectives, Bockarie said it seeks to increase mangrove restoration and conservation, increase access to finance, improve livelihood diversity and improve food security.
He noted that they are using the blue economy to restore resilience in the communities, improve the quality of fish and reduce the shock of food insecurity, promote nutritious food security, conserve marine ecosystem and biodiversity, reduce poverty, improve lives and promote livelihood diversification.
The Country Director of GOAL Sierra Leone, James Riak said the blue economy seeks to harness the economic potential of the oceans and coastal areas while ensuring that the environment is protected.
“Protecting our oceans and marine life is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. The health of our oceans directly impacts our climate, food security, and livelihoods, by promoting sustainable and through women led conservation, financial inclusion. The project initiative underscores our commitment in the development of an environmental stewardship” he said.
He explained that the country can reduce the impact of climate change and safeguard the environment.
Chief of Samu Chiefdom Pa Sorie said they are currently planting mangroves in over fifty acres.
He also expressed delight for such an initiative and the financial support they intend to extend to them. He said they are one of the highest rice production districts in the country, but was quick to note that most of their produce is taken to Guinea, explaining that they are financially supported by Guineans.
The Chief called on GOAL Sierra Leone to extend the project in other communities in the district.
In her keynote address Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba said the project is aligned with the government’s agenda.
She said fishermen in the coastal communities are suffering, because many cannot go out to fish especially during the rainy season, adding that because the mangroves are cut down the fishes do not have place to breed near the coast but instead go far into the sea where only big vessels can reach.
The minister expressed excitement over the women’s employment aspect of the project, stressing the need for financial empowerment.
As a four year project it seeks to target twelve thousand persons directly and twenty four thousand indirectly, in the project that is supported by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) and other Partners.
It will be implemented in Western Area Rural, the project will be implemented in Fogbo, Banga ground and Tisannah. Whilst in Kambia District, six communities were chosen in Samu Chiefdom for the implementation of the project, the communities are: Kasirie, Kychom, Mabonka, Magboka, Kagbaham and Moriba.
GOAL Sierra Leone works in different areas such as emergency preparedness and response, food security and livelihood and WASH initiatives.
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