The European Union (EU) has signed a 660,000-euro (approximately 713,792 USD) grant agreement with the Sierra Leonean government to protect the biodiversity of the Loma Mountains and surrounding areas.
The three-year project aims to implement conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives through the collaboration of Sierra Leonean authorities and relevant stakeholders. Gerald Hatler, head of Cooperation of the EU in Sierra Leone, emphasised the importance of the initiative, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to conserving 80 percent of Sierra Leone’s natural parks.
“It is imperative that we unite our efforts to protect the invaluable ecosystems of Loma Mountains before it is too late. This project signifies the commencement of a collective endeavour towards environmental conservation and sustainable development in Sierra Leone,” Hatler stated.
Richard Marah, director of the Loma Conservation Community Program, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts leading to the grant agreement. He highlighted the crucial role that indigenous communities and women play in environmental preservation.
Marah noted that the project represents a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s conservation journey, showcasing an inclusive, community-led strategy to safeguard the natural heritage of the Loma Mountains while promoting sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
The Loma Mountains, the highest mountain range in northeastern Sierra Leone, host a diverse array of wildlife, making conservation efforts in this region particularly significant.
