Conservation Society of Sierra Leone

16/04/2026

The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) is currently undertaking community sensitization and awareness raising campaign in coastal communities on the hazards of oil and gas pollution on marine environment.

The activity is being conducted in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Artisanal Fishermen’s Union (SLAFU) and the Civil Society Advocacy Network on Climate Change and the Environment (CAN-SL) which are members of the National Civil Society Coalition on Marine Protection (NaCSCoMP).

The campaign covers 6 coastal communities, including Tombo, Rokupr, Kassirie, Shenge, Sulima and Gbondapi in Western Area Rural, Kambia, Moyamba and Pujehun districts respectively.

This initiative is part of an array of activities supported by MAVA Foundation through PRCM to promote public awareness and knowledge about the negative impacts of oil and gas pollution on marine ecosystems, community livelihood, and human health.
IUCN RSPB Biosfera Cabo Verde Welthungerhilfe Wetlands International PRCM BirdLife International Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone

11/03/2026

CSSL, BirdLife and EPASL Organise a Technical Workshop on Strengthening Cross-Border Collaborative Management of the Greater Gola Transboundary Landscape in Kenema, Sierra Leone.

On 11 March 2026, the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), in partnership with the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPASL) and BirdLife International, kick-started a two-day Technical Workshop on Strengthening Cross-border Collaborative Management of the Greater Gola Transboundary Landscape. The event, which is hosted at the Albertson Hotel in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone, will run through 12 March 2026, marking the formal commencement of the Guinean Forests Integrated Program, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by Conservation International in partnership with FAO, IUCN and BirdLife International. This program is a transboundary forest conservation initiative involving implementing partners in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The workshop focused on improving cooperation between Sierra Leone and Liberia in protecting and managing the shared Gola Forest ecosystem.

The Greater Gola Transboundary Landscape spans across the border of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, linking Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone and the Gola Forest National Park in Liberia.

This forest is one of West Africa’s most important biodiversity hotspots, home to rare wildlife such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, and numerous bird species.

Participants included Sierra Leone’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Executive Directors of the Forestry Division Authority of Liberia and National Protected Area Authority of Sierra Leone, the Secretary General of Mano River Union, representatives from RSPB England, SCNL, Conservation International, traditional leaders, the media, and a host of many other state and non-state actors in both countries.
Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone BirdLife International Africa European Union in Sierra Leone Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone Gola Rainforest

14/02/2026

The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), with funding from MAVA Foundation through PRCM, has on Thursday 12th February 2026 held an Evidence-based Advocacy Workshop for environmental CSOs and media representatives on oil and gas pollution on marine and coastal environment.

The engagement, which took place at the CCSL Conference Room in Freetown, brought together participants from across the country to increase their advocacy skills such that they would support CSSL in holding government and oil and gas actors accountable for their activities in the sector. The engagement also increased participants’ understanding of the hazards as well as economic benefits that are associated with oil exploitation in a country.

The workshop emphasized the role of the media and CSOs in disseminating data-driven, accurate, credible and reliable information to communities and policymakers to effect the desired social change in the country.
The next phase of the project will involve community outreach sensitization sessions to increase awareness among coastal residents about the hazards of oil pollution on marine ecosystems.
Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone RSPB Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone BirdLife International Africa JRS Biodiversity Foundation Gola Rainforest Save the Children Sierra Leone PRCM

12/12/2025

Project Inception Meeting: CSSL and WHH Strengthen Partnership for Yawri Bay Conservation

On 10 December 2025, the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), convened a two-day inception meeting at the Family Kingdom conference hall in Freetown to launch their new project, “Oasis on the Coast: Conservation of the Yawri Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) through Community-Based Conservation Measures and Sustainable Livelihoods in Eight Communities.” The event brought together participants from CSSL and WHH to discuss roles, expectations, and collaborative pathways for successful implementation.
The overarching goal of the three-year project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is to empower local communities to actively contribute to the protection and restoration of the Yawri Bay ecosystem. A total of 2,880 participants will be supported to implement localized Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plans and adopt sustainable livelihood practices that safeguard marine and coastal resources.

The project aims to strengthen community-led management of the Yawri Bay MPA by improving planning, capacities, and local structures across eight target communities (Tombo, Fogbo, Youndu, Katta, Kent, Moyeaneh, Bondatok and Suen). It seeks to boost environmental awareness and participation in implementing MPA management plans, contributing to the restoration of natural resources. Additionally, the project will support 980 participants with the skills, equipment, and resources needed to adopt sustainable livelihoods that reduce pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, while also enhancing the institutional capacities of CSSL to ensure effective project delivery.

During the meeting, CSSL’s Executive Director, Dr. Sheku Kamara, expressed strong commitment to fostering effective collaboration with WHH, highlighting that this project stands as the second-largest intervention in the marine landscape after the GCF-funded initiative. He underscored the trust that CSSL has enjoyed from communities since it started implementing conservation projects in the Yawri Bay landscape. He disclosed that the initial interventions at Yawri Bay were short of alternative livelihood options, which was a strong expectation of communities. “To maintain the trust we have with communities, we felt compelled to source a project that will address livelihood options for our people”, he emphasised.
Representing WHH, Lea Schumacher commended the team’s effort throughout what she described as a “lengthy project development process” and emphasized the significance of working at Yawri Bay,
particularly as WHH seeks to deepen its learning and experience in mangrove restoration.

James Alpha from WHH reaffirmed the organization’s focus on strategic partnerships and support to national institutions. He noted that WHH is currently implementing three projects in Moyamba District, with the CSSL partnership adding a fourth. He underscored the importance of harmonizing efforts across all initiatives to maximize collective impact in the district. Concluding his remarks, he explained that the inception meeting served as a crucial platform for clarifying roles, expectations, and key actions needed to ensure smooth and successful project implementation.
Wetlands International Welthungerhilfe Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) PRCM GOAL Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) IUCN RSPB BirdLife International Africa BirdLife International

05/12/2025

Transforming Perceptions: Owl Awareness-Raising Activities in Mambolo, Kambia District.

The Owl Awareness Campaign held on 14 October 2025 in Mambolo, Kambia District, aimed to address negative traditional beliefs about owls and encourage positive conservation practices. The program engaged school children, teachers, and the broader community to correct myths portraying owls as symbols of evil and to promote awareness of their ecological importance.

At the school level, the campaign featured interactive discussions and a pupil-led drama titled “Changing Evil Perception on Owls,” which creatively highlighted the harmless nature of owls and their vital role in controlling pests. These activities sparked dialogue and strengthened pupils’ confidence to advocate for wildlife conservation.

To expand the campaign’s reach, educational posters were distributed and displayed in key public areas—including schools, the health centre, and the market—ensuring visibility beyond the direct participants. Conservation-themed T‑shirts given to teachers and pupils further increased awareness in the community.

A major component of the outreach effort was an interactive radio program aired on Radio Kollenten, the station with the largest audience in Kambia District. Community members participated by sending in text messages with questions and comments, all of which were addressed live. This platform enabled the campaign to reach thousands more listeners, effectively debunking harmful myths associated with owls.

Overall, the initiative reached an estimated 8,000 people through school activities, educational materials, and radio engagement. Early feedback suggests improved public understanding of owls and a gradual shift away from long‑held superstitions. The campaign demonstrated the importance of education and communication in fostering wildlife conservation and promoting coexistence between communities and the natural environment.

Wetlands International Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone JRS Biodiversity Foundation GOAL Biosfera Cabo Verde IUCN

30/10/2025

Great Award to CSSL!
We are proud to inform our members, partners and supporters that we have been awarded as the Best Environmental NGO in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 for 2025 by the Sierra Leone Association of Non-governmental Organizations (SLANGO). The event took place at a fundraising engagement on 10th October, 2025 at Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

Receiving the award the Executive Director of CSSL, Dr Sheku Kamara, thanked SLANGO for recognizing the work of CSSL. He noted that his organization will not take this award for granted, but will continue to work relentlessly for the good of the country.

We dedicate this award to our team, and esteemed donors, partners and members.
Gola Rainforest EU International Partnerships German Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Save the Children Sierra Leone European Union in Sierra Leone BirdLife International Africa Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone BirdLife International RSPB England Sierra Leone Association of Non Governmental Organization

23/09/2025

CSSL calls for united action on conservation strategy in Sierra Leone
By Yusufu S. Bangura

Local CSSL calls for united action on conservation strategy By Concord Times - September 22, 2025 0 21 FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsApp By Yusufu S. Bangura CSSL head making the call Edward Sesay, Head of the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), has urged the need for collective action to pr...

20/08/2025

The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), with funding support from Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) through GOAL Sierra Leone, commenced the restoration of identified degraded mangrove sites in Tissanah community, Western Area Rural District.

The activity started off on 16th August 2025, and is currently being heavily supported by communities to ensure ownership and sustainability of the initiative.

Site restoration forms a core component of CSSL’s approach in the JOA project, and is aimed at rehabilitating degraded areas while safeguarding existing mangrove ecosystems.

To ensure success, the project team led by Bobson Kobba, began work with sustained mobilization of communities to get their involvement in the identification, preparation of degraded sites and replanting of propagules.

A total of 85,000 propagules are being replanted in 17 hectares of degraded mangrove habitat in one of the project communities, Tissana.

CSSL remains strongly committed to restoring these vital ecosystems.
BirdLife International Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone RSPB England PRCM Wetlands International Biosfera Cabo Verde IUCN GOAL

14/08/2025

Today, we came together to recognise and commend the , co-led by the of and the Environmental Protection Agency-Sierra Leone, for bringing together diverse priorities across institutional and sectoral lines and working hand in hand with the House of to see the instrument ratified. This step gives full domestic effect to our ratification of the , establishes the legal framework for the governance of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction ( ), and creates the statutory foundation for the work we will carry out across government and civil society; from marine spatial (and governance), and mandatory to equitable .

Thanks to the vision of His Excellency the President, the leadership of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment, and our partnership with CSSL, the Ministries of Tourism, Fisheries, Local Government, Trade, the Maritime Administration, IMBO, ENFORAC, and others, Sierra Leone now stands proudly among a small number of African nations with enabling legislation for implementation. This achievement strengthens our negotiating position in regional and global alliances, giving us a stronger voice in shaping the future of our oceans.

As a next step, we will prepare a to capture the process we followed, distill the insights gained, and outline the immediate priorities for implementation. This will inform both government decision-making and wider public engagement. We will also work together to define national delivery mechanisms, including the integration of obligations into the now being set through the review, and set firm priorities for coastal and marine adaptation, blue carbon restoration, and robust monitoring, reporting, and verification in our . This is a landmark moment for our country; one that should make every Sierra Leonean proud.

Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone

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PRCM BirdLife International RSPB England Biosfera Cabo Verde Wetlands International

13/08/2025

Let's combine our efforts in protecting one of the nation's jewels, the Western Area Peninsula National Park. Apart from being a source of potable water for Freetown and surrounding communities, the Park also hosts numerous endangered species, which makes it a hot-spot for ecotourism in Sierra Leone.
Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone BirdLife International RSPB England Gola Rainforest PRCM JRS Biodiversity Foundation

04/08/2025

CSSL COMMENCES IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SIERRA LEONE COASTAL RESILIENCE PROJECT IN THE YAWRI BAY MARINE PROTECTED AREA

The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), in partnership with Save the Children, Environment Protection Agency – Sierra Leone (EPA-SL), Concern Worldwide, KADDRO and Environmental Foundation for Africa, has secured a funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to implement a five-year project entitled, “Enhancing climate information systems for resilient development in Sierra Leone”. The project aims at increasing the resilience of coastal communities to adapt to climate change, spanning from 2025 through 2029. It was officially launched on 6th June 2025 at the Atlantic Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown, and will target 260, 000 direct beneficiaries, and over 1,000,000 indirect beneficiaries in 75 coastal communities in Moyamba, Bonthe, Kambia, Pujehun, and Port Loko districts.

The project comprises 3 components, including community mainstreaming of climate change adaptation through governance, partnerships, education and training; enhanced climate resilience of food production systems and value chain to secure food and livelihoods, especially for women and youth; and ecosystem-based adaptation for coastal protection and natural resources. Each of these components will contribute significantly to the management of the four marine protected area (MPA) landscapes for the improvement of the wellbeing of residents in these areas.
CSSL, being a member of the consortium of partners led by Save the Children and the EPA-SL in the implementation of the project, the organisation contributes to component 2 of the project; Enhanced climate resilience of food production systems and value chains to secure food and livelihoods, especially for women and youth”. Ten (10) communities in Moyamba District are targeted, and they include Rokai, Morchail/Moyambe, Mokobu, Bathbai, Suen, and Mokumba in Ribbi Chiefdom, Samu in Bumpeh Chiefdom, and Rembe, Katta and Shenge in Kargboro Chiefdom.

To kick-start the project implementation, the Society secured an office space in Tombo community, Western Rural Area District, and recruited a crop of professionals to implement the project. Tombo is a very strategic location as it serves as a transit community to easily access the project communities.

CSSL started off with a groundbreaking entry into the 10 project communities to introduce the project and get communities to be fully aware of the benefits they stand to derive, while soliciting their fullest support throughout the project duration. This action was highly welcomed by the community members. Mr. Mansy Mballay, an Eco-guard from Shenge community thanked and appreciated CSSL and its partners for bringing such opportunities to their communities. “We very much appreciate this opportunity accorded to us by CSSL, Save the Children and the rest of your partners. We will surely embrace this project and support you to achieve your objectives”, Mballay assured the project staff.
Ministry Of The Environment Sierra Leone Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone BirdLife International RSPB England BirdLife International Africa PRCM IUCN Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) European Union in Sierra Leone Wetlands International Save the Children Sierra Leone