CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY IN SIERRA LEONE By: Coalition of Civil Society and Human Right Activist in Sierra Leone (CCSHRA-SL)

Introduction Recognizing the effect of biodiversity and climate change on man and his environment The role and responsibilities of CCSHRA-SL in climate change and biodiversity

Institutional Roles and Responsibilities of CCSHRA-SL on climate change and biodiversity Advocacy Community Education and Awareness Raising Building Strong Coalition and Partnership with MDAs of like objective Monitoring Conducting Research on the causes, effect and impact of bush fires and deforestation in affected communities

CCSHRA-SL Interventions Community Sensitization and Awareness Raising Build partnership with key organizations interested in Biodiversity and Climate Change issues Establishment of an Environmental and Climate Change Unit of CCSHRA-SL Proposal to undertake baseline survey on the impact and control of wild bush fires in affected communities

Status and Trend of Climate Change and Biodiversity in Sierra Leone Research Identified continuous loss of biological resources as a major environmental problem in S/L Deforestation is the major threat to our biological diversity Man’s activities  Slash-and-burn agricultural practices  Rebel war ( )  Construction etc

Trend Tremendous effort is being employed by both interested and affected parties to curb this national phenomena, including;  GoSL  Civil Society Organizations  Non-Governmental Organizations etc

Recommendations Conduct research to underscore underlying factors of Climate change and biodiversity Policy and technology to be directed at ensuring effective and efficient use of natural resources Sustainable use of resources Develop National Environmental Action Strategy to Manage Land and Coastal Resources/biodiversity Build firm partnerships with key stakeholders Build capacity of stakeholders to adequately address problem

Mobilize resources to enhance interventions in climate change and biodiversity related issues Promote intensive advocacy on climate change and biodiversity issues Raise awareness of communities on the issues of climate change and biological diversity Faithfully Presented: Bintu Sia Foray-Musa Environmental Unit Head Environmental and Climate Change Unit