SL Launches Women’s Conservation and Livelihood Diversification Project to Boost Blue Economy
In a vibrant ceremony at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on July 30, 2024, Sierra Leone marked a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainable development. The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Madam Princess Dugba, officially launched the “Enhanced Resilience of Rural Communities through Women-led Conservation, Financial Inclusion, and Livelihood Diversification Project.” This initiative, led by GOAL-SL and funded by Jersey Overseas Aid, aims to fortify Sierra Leone’s Blue Economy, focusing on the Western Area Rural and Kambia Districts.
The project’s core mission is to combat the effects of climate change on food security and biodiversity, boost community resilience, and enhance nutrition and economic livelihoods. Minister Kenyeh Barlay highlighted the project’s alignment with the nation’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030 and the Blue Economy Strategy, emphasizing its crucial role in operationalizing these frameworks.
“The launch and implementation of this project are crucial steps in bringing our Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Blue Economy Strategy to life,” stated Minister Barlay. She extended profound gratitude to GOAL Sierra Leone for their efforts in supporting government initiatives and underscored the project’s alignment with sustainable development goals, particularly in promoting food security, economic diversification, and sustainable coastal and marine environments.
Kjartan Atli Oskarsson, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland in Sierra Leone, praised the initiative, noting, “The Blue Economy is vital to us as an island nation. Our collaboration with Sierra Leone, which began in 2018, has always centered on sustainable development in coastal communities. We eagerly anticipate the impactful progress of this project.”
Foday Suma, Paramount Chief of Samu Chiefdom, expressed his support, highlighting Kambia’s reputation for rice production and commitment to mangrove conservation. “We are ready to support and ensure the sustainability of this project,” he affirmed.
In her keynote address, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Madam Princess Dugba, expressed her honor in launching the initiative funded by a £1,500,000 grant from Jersey Overseas Aid. “This project will enhance the productivity and conservation practices of small-scale fisheries in Western Rural and Kambia Districts,” she said, emphasizing its goal to improve food security, nutrition, and economic resilience.
Minister Dugba also highlighted an ongoing GOAL Sierra Leone project, worth approximately US$676,000 and running until 2026, focused on diversifying livelihoods and building capacity in fish processing and community management. “Supporting communities to cope with climate disasters and providing fishermen with safety tools to minimize illegal fishing practices are crucial aspects of this project,” she noted.
Call to Action
Concluding her speech, Minister Dugba called on all stakeholders to support the initiative and prioritize the health of beneficiaries, especially fishermen. “Our Ministry is committed to fostering sustainable fisheries within a diversified Blue Economy to ensure food and nutrition security for our people,” she declared.
The event culminated with the signing of the Service Level Agreement for the new project by Minister Princess Dugba, witnessed by Minister Kenyeh Barlay. This signing marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable development and reinforces the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation and economic resilience through community-driven initiatives.
