NDMA, IDMC Report Urges Immediate Action on Sea Level Rise Displacement in SL
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in partnership with the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC), has unveiled a groundbreaking report titled “Impacts of Displacement Linked to Sea Level Rise on Plantain Island in Sierra Leone.” This report, supported by the European Union and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, examines the profound effects of coastal erosion on Plantain Island, focusing on its impact on livelihoods, housing, security, education, and health.
During the launch, NDMA Director General, Lit. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, stressed the urgency of addressing the displacement challenges linked to climate change. “This report highlights the pressing need for collective action to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities. Sea level rise is not just an environmental issue; it’s a humanitarian crisis. NDMA is dedicated to working alongside our partners to implement sustainable solutions,” he stated.
Chiara Valenti, Research Associate at IDMC, presented the findings, emphasizing the role of data-driven approaches in addressing displacement. “The report underscores the critical link between environmental degradation and displacement. By understanding the broader impact on housing, education, health, and livelihoods, we can create policies and interventions that address the root causes and enhance the resilience of affected communities,” she noted.
Representatives from the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society echoed the report’s call for immediate action. They highlighted that addressing sea level rise requires not only mitigation but also strong investment in adaptation strategies for coastal areas, alongside rebuilding efforts to enhance community resilience.
Chief Gbassay Kargbo from Plantain Island and Chiefdom Speaker of Kagboro Chiefdom, Alex H. Kamara, shared powerful firsthand accounts of the challenges their communities are facing. “Our people are losing their homes, livelihoods, and heritage. We are thankful for the attention this report brings to our struggles and urge immediate action to secure our future,” they said.
Dr. Patrick Kormawa, speaking on behalf of Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, echoed the importance of the issue. “Sea level rise is not just a climate issue; it’s a survival issue for these communities. This report provides the data and strategies necessary to turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and resilience-building,” he stated. He urged the NDMA to use the report as a foundation for creating policies to protect and preserve Plantain Island as a critical heritage site.
The report details the devastating effects of rising sea levels on Plantain Island, including the destruction of homes, disruption of education, and worsening public health conditions due to the salinization of water sources. The report also highlights the insecurity caused by the physical and economic vulnerabilities of displaced residents.
Key recommendations from the report include integrating climate-induced displacement into policy planning, enhancing disaster preparedness, and providing targeted support for affected communities. These findings are set to guide future interventions and policy decisions to address climate-induced displacement in Sierra Leone.
