29/03/2026
***Center for Female Researchers (CFR) Participated in a three-day Collaborating Learning and Adapting (CLA) Conference 2026 in Freetown. Organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the theme: From Data to Decision; Strengthening
Environmental Governance through Evidence and Insight**
The Executive Director of CFR Mrs. Binta Bah, joined Government MDAs, academic institutions, UN Agencies, Community Leaders, National and international Organizations that are working on environmental and health-related issues.
This event creates the platform for partners to discuss, learn and engage on environmental issues and the pathway to action for a safer, healthier environment for all.
The conference lasted for three days from the 24th to the 26th March, 2026.
Overview of the conference and the achievement, including the revenue mobilized by EPA Sierra Leone for the year 2025, was highlighted during the statement of the EPA Executive Chairman, Dr. Abu-Bakarr S.Massaquoi. His statement had a huge impact on revenue generated internally and the increment of funds in climate finance, including raising funds for mine rehabilitation bonds from mining companies.
He further called on partners to work with the EPA Sierra Leone and insisted on the importance of strengthening bridges between development agencies, academia and policy-makers
CFR sees his called as an effort for more national and international collaboration to draw on lessons learned from past successes and failures, and together drive a transformative change in our society for a sustainable future.
Statements were made by several speakers, including Panel discussions from experts on key highlighted topics, which made the conference interactive, and an impactful learning outcome was achieved by participants.
Chemicals and Waste is a serious concern for Center for Female Researchers (CFR), women’s exposure to hazardous chemicals at home, in the workplace and in the food, water and air is an increasing concern.
The Executive Director of CFR Mrs. Binta Bah complimented the EPA Sierra Leone for recognizing women’s roles and gender differences in chemical and waste.
The conference also reflects on the important role of women in families, communities and the extended societies to find better solutions to leave no one behind. Women are mostly the primary and secondary contacts with all toxic exposure for themselves, their children and even in protecting their male family members and their natural environment.
CFR acknowledged the closing statement of the Executive Chairman of EPA, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and harmonizing information and communication for effective delivery and actions.
He thanked sponsors, partners, staff, panelists, and attendees of the conference for a successful event Despite the success made by both EPA Sierra Leone and partners,
CFR highlights the need for more involvement of women and regulations to reduce chemical and waste.
CFR will continue to contribute to the national and global push for sound chemical, waste management and climate action.
*Key Takeaways from the Conference* :
1. Presentation on the practical Road Map for NDC3.0 implementation by 2030 was extensively done. Followed by a discussion on Sierra Leone readiness, climate mobility and climate solutions like the E-Mobility of which women are highly considered.
2. A focus discussion was also done on the approaches to protecting Sierra Leone natural ecosystems through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP3.0 )
3. Strategic Approach to International Chemicals (SAICM), the BRS Conventions, and the National Pollutants Inventory (NPI), which is set in addressing the pollution crisis, with panelists looking at what it means for Sierra Leone.
4. The lead in paint regulations were also talked about. The full force of the implementation of the regulations will start in April 2026, after a grace period till March 2026
5. Other discussions through panelists were the illegal river dredge mining and the effect of the Artisanal Small- Scale Gold Mining and the use of Mercury, which is affecting human health and the environment.
6. Center for Environmental Data and Statistics (CEDAS) was talked about, which will serve as a one–stop shop for all data related to the environment. It will harmonize data for easy implementations and decision-making.
7. The Inventory Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Hydro fluorocarbons (HFC) banks were discussed. These are efforts to manage already existing equipment chemicals stockpiles; the essence is to comply with the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs. A panel discussion looked at the survey findings and what they mean for the Sierra Leone phase-down plan.During the three-day conference,
CFR was able to engage key stakeholders.
