Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-SL) in a concerted effort to combat coastal and marine pollution convened a two-day technical review workshop with key stakeholders from government agencies and civil society organizations.
The workshop, held at Atlantic Lumley Hotel on Aberdeen Beach from December 12 to 13. 2024 focused on finalizing the Integrated Coastal and Marine Protection Regulations, which will soon be presented to Parliament for enactment.
The workshop aimed to gather stakeholder input to strengthen staffs posing for photo the draft regulations before submission to Parliament.
Speaking on behalf of EPA-SL Executive Chairman, Paul A. Lamin, Director of the Natural Resources Governance Directorate, while emphasizing on the significance of the workshop, highlighted that the stakeholders’ review would allow for critical feedback and recommendations on the draft laws aimed at protecting Sierra Leone’s coastal and marine Ecosystems.
Lamin explained that the process of drafting these regulations began in 2020, with steady progress made since then.
He stressed that these laws are essential to regulate activities that threaten the country’s coastal environment, such as fishing, mining and sand extraction.
“Without robust legal frameworks, our coastal areas will deteriorate,” Lamin warned.
Sierra Leone’s coastal and marine ecosystems, home to mangroves, rainforests, and coastal islands, play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and local economies.
He also pointed out that unchecked human activities have caused environmental degradation.
According to Lamin, the proposed regulations would introduce proactive measures to preserve these ecosystems’ ecological integrity and ensure sustainable resource management for future generations.
Lamin concluded by underscored the collaborative nature of the process, noting that the final legislation would reflect collective efforts to safeguard Sierra Leone’s coastal and marine resources.
Legal expert Gilbrilla Kamara Esq. presented key elements of the draft regulations, focusing on several critical areas:
The draft outlines the legal definitions, goals, and scope of the regulations, including the classification of coastal public property and state acquisition of private lands in environmentally sensitive zone.
Special Management Areas: Specific zones for conservation such as fisheries and marine habitats will be designated with clear rules on permissible and prohibited activities.
The regulations will implement a “polluter pays” principle holding offenders financially accountable for environmental damage.
Authorities will have the power to inspect marine industries, enforce pollution prevention conventions and impose fines for violations.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism that the revised legal framework would provide a robust mechanism to manage and protect the country’s vital coastal ecosystems from environmental threats while fostering sustainable development.
