03/28/2026
Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA26) Conference Three days Report- 24th- 26th March, 2026. Organised by Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone
Theme: From Data to Decisions_ : Strengthening Environmental Governance through Evidence and Insights
Venue : Freetown City Council Auditorium
Introduction
The Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA26) Conference was convened at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders including Ibrahim Sei Kamara , Head of Programs at Unify Actions and Advocacy for Human Dignity - UAAHD SL committed to advancing environmental governance in Sierra Leone. Participants included representatives from ministries, departments and agencies, boundary partners, international development partners, civil society organisations, sponsors, the media, and school nature clubs.
The conference served as a strategic platform to reflect on progress made since CLA25, evaluate lessons learned, and align priorities for the future. It emphasised the importance of transforming data into actionable insights, strengthening coordination across institutions, and improving environmental governance systems to deliver measurable impact.
Day One: Climate Change ( Data)
The first day of the conference focused on climate change, highlighting Sierra Leone’s progress in fulfilling its international commitments and strengthening national systems for climate governance. Discussions underscored the importance of institutional efficiency and the role of data in improving decision-making processes. Participants reflected on how internal reforms have enhanced delivery discipline through improved organisational systems, resulting in stronger operational performance and increased collective value across the environmental sector.
Significant milestones were presented, demonstrating tangible progress in implementing multilateral environmental agreements on climate change. Sierra Leone successfully finalised and launched its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) at COP30, marking a critical step in aligning national climate ambitions with global commitments. The development and launch of the NDC Scorecard, in collaboration with Trocaire, provided a transparent framework for tracking progress and accountability. Additionally, the country completed its first district-level Loss and Damage Report with support from SEND-SL, offering important insights into climate vulnerabilities at the local level.
Further progress was made in advancing the First Biennial Transparency Report, which is essential for meeting international reporting obligations, while the operationalisation of the National Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system strengthened the country’s capacity for climate data management. The launch of the ICAT initiative reinforced efforts to enhance transparency, while the initiation of the Technology Needs Assessment laid the groundwork for identifying and deploying appropriate climate technologies. The completion of the Climate Mobility Assessment Report, supported by IOM Sierra Leone, also provided valuable evidence for addressing climate-induced displacement and migration.
Technical sessions and fireside discussions explored Sierra Leone’s readiness to implement NDC 3.0, outlining a clear roadmap toward 2030. Participants examined lessons learned from the Biennial Transparency Report process, discussed the significance of climate reporting systems, and reflected on how the Loss and Damage Report contributes to strengthening national resilience. The discussions also highlighted opportunities for scaling climate mobility initiatives and ensuring a just transition.
Development partners played a key role in reinforcing the conference theme by emphasising the importance of making data work effectively for governance. They highlighted the need to foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making, strengthen regional collaboration, and enhance data sharing and knowledge exchange mechanisms across borders.
In terms of finance and resource mobilisation, notable achievements were recorded. The sector generated NLe 168.9 million in internal revenue, surpassing its annual target by more than 105 percent. Additionally, $7.8 million in climate finance was mobilised, and $16 million in mine rehabilitation bonds were secured, reflecting strong progress in financial sustainability and environmental accountability.
The day concluded on a reflective and engaging note with a performance by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School. Their skit, titled “The Rising Tides: The Time to Act is Now,” creatively highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and inspired participants to take immediate and decisive action.
Day Two: (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation)
The second day shifted focus to biodiversity and nature conservation, emphasising the protection of Sierra Leone’s natural heritage and the sustainable management of its ecosystems. Discussions centred on progress toward the development of the third generation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0), a critical policy framework aimed at safeguarding biodiversity while ensuring equitable access to natural resources.
Participants explored how data and evidence can inform conservation strategies and improve decision-making. The Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change delivered an insightful presentation on the role of legislation in environmental governance, highlighting how evidence-based policymaking strengthens oversight, enhances accountability, and ensures that environmental laws are effectively implemented.
The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), as a key boundary partner, presented its governance priorities for the Western Area Peninsula National Park. The discussion focused on strengthening institutional frameworks, improving conservation outcomes, and addressing challenges related to encroachment and resource management.
Fireside discussions brought together technical experts and stakeholders to examine valuation data and financial assurance initiatives developed in collaboration with the National Minerals Agency (NMA). These discussions underscored the importance of integrating data into the management of the extractives sector to enhance transparency, ensure environmental compliance, and promote accountability.
Broader plenary sessions addressed critical issues in nature conservation, including the urgent need to combat deforestation and forest degradation as part of efforts to secure sustainable REDD+ carbon financing. Participants also discussed the importance of catchment data in informing water security decisions, recognising the link between ecosystem health and water availability. Emerging findings from the country’s first marine spatial planning initiative were presented, providing new insights into the sustainable use of marine resources. The role of effective communication in driving sustainability efforts was also highlighted, with emphasis on raising awareness and fostering behavioural change.
The day concluded with a performance by St. Joseph’s Secondary School, whose skit emphasised the importance of adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to natural resource management. Their presentation reinforced the idea that environmental sustainability requires collective responsibility and coordinated action across all sectors of society.
Day Three: Chemicals and Waste (Environmental Health and Safety)
The final day of the conference focused on chemicals and waste management, with particular emphasis on environmental health and safety. Discussions explored the strategic importance of managing chemical pollutants and reducing environmental risks associated with hazardous substances.
Participants examined the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and discussed the rollout of Sierra Leone’s first National Pollutant Inventory (NPI). This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing pollution as a major environmental and public health challenge, providing a structured system for tracking and managing pollutants.
The Center for Environmental Data and Statistics (CEDAS) presented findings from its formative workshop, outlining its vision of becoming a centralised hub for environmental data. The establishment of such a platform is expected to improve data accessibility, support evidence-based policymaking, and enhance coordination among stakeholders.
Policy and regulatory developments were also a key focus of discussions. Participants reviewed progress in developing a national plastic waste policy and introducing lead regulations aimed at protecting public health. These initiatives are critical for reducing environmental pollution and mitigating the harmful effects of toxic substances, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children.
Plenary discussions addressed pressing environmental risks, including illegal river dredge mining and the role of stakeholder complicity in exacerbating environmental degradation. The impacts of mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector were also examined, with particular attention to its effects on marine ecosystems and human health.
Global environmental commitments were revisited, including the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances. Discussions also covered ongoing surveys on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS), highlighting the country’s commitment to meeting international environmental obligations.
The day concluded with a powerful dramatized performance by WAM Collegiate Secondary School. Their skit, “The Role of Lead Paint Regulation,” illustrated the dangers of lead exposure and emphasised the importance of enforcing regulations to protect public health, particularly in safeguarding children’s neurological development.
Conclusion and Way Forward
The CLA26 Conference successfully highlighted the critical role of data, collaboration, and adaptive learning in strengthening environmental governance. Across all three thematic areas—climate change, biodiversity, and chemicals and waste management—participants reaffirmed the need for integrated approaches, strong institutional frameworks, and sustained investment in data systems.
In his closing remarks, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, emphasised the importance of collaboration, prioritisation, and timely decision-making in addressing complex environmental challenges. He called for greater alignment of stakeholder interests and a more coordinated approach to overcoming institutional barriers that hinder effective environmental management.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to all sponsors, partners, staff, panellists, and participants for their contributions to the success of the conference.
He noted that, the conference set a clear vision for the future, with a commitment that CLA27 will be larger, more focused, and driven by a stronger emphasis on delivering tangible and measurable impact. Bombali District Council ActionAid Sierra Leone Women's Action for Human Dignity Sierra Leone - WAHD SL Trocaire CAFOD Global Youth Network for Empowerment & Development - Sierra Leone European Union in Sierra Leone UNDP in Sierra
