There is a new industry developing in Sierra Leone that is adding to the economy while also transforming the environment: the restoration sector. There are organizations working to restore various ecosystems within Sierra Leone, including mangroves and forests, in addition to protecting forests, such as Gola.
Restoring ecosystems is an opportunity for Sierra Leone, since it provides new jobs and can bring back the native species that once were in areas that are now degraded. Restoring the environment also helps improve conditions for agriculture.
One such organization is Rainforest Builder Sierra Leone Limited, a company that is restoring the natural ecosystem and improving agriculture across West Africa. Rainforest Builder started in Sierra Leone in 2023 and currently operates in Fakunya and Wonde Chiefdoms. They are planting native tree species and have created close to 1,000 jobs. They will create more jobs as the company expands its operations to new locations in Sierra Leone.
The company provides fair access to jobs, sustainable income sources, and improved agricultural yields in communities. Land for restoration is leased for 50+ years following the Free, Prior and Informed Consent process and in accordance with the Customary Land Rights Act of 2022.
Rainforest Builder constructs and operates nurseries to produce high quality seedlings, prepares degraded land, and plants and maintains forests. The company has been described as a trusted friend of the environment for its long-term commitment to its projects.
Rainforest Builder’s full integration enables continuous improvement and transparency as demonstrated when a team of media personnel visited one of Rainforest Builder project areas recently.
Restoring the environment and benefiting human capital development
Aaron Fidawi, a Senior Silviculture Forester, has been working with Rainforest Builder for over 18 months. He explained how the company is doing manual land preparation for them to be able to protect as many trees as possible.
“I am glad to be part of the team that is fighting against climate change and protecting plants and animals. We are trying to restore the forest for future generations,” he said.
Aaron went on to say that through Rainforest Builder work he has been able to support his children, wife, parent and siblings.
He described the importance of not cutting down trees: “It is not good for us to be cutting down trees because we are destroying our forests which link to our lives. The forest is there to give us good health, oxygen, and medicines.”
Ramatu M. Sesay, a graduate from the University of Management and Technology, explained how she started working for Rainforest Builder and how the job has taught her new skills.
She said through Rainforest Builder, she has learned a lot, especially the names of various native tree species and how to process them.
Ramatu said her current earnings allow her to take care of her family and herself.
Patricia Kamara, Rainforest Builder Nursery Manager, explained how the nursery department has over 20 staff. Rainforest Builder helps her to transform her passion into reality with the opportunity to grow her career and expertise.
“The sustainability of the job is very great; I can now take care of myself and my family,” she stated.
John Kamara, one of the land-owning family members, has been working with Rainforest Builder for over a year. He spoke about the significant changes that have happened to him since he started working with Rainforest Builder.
“With my Rainforest Builder job, I can now support my family and myself, then the remaining I usually save it,” he said.
Bringing benefits to communities and transforming local economies
P.C. Samuel H. Bengeh of Fakunya Chiefdom, Moyamba District spoke about Rainforest Builder’s work as a tremendous achievement driving progress in his chiefdom.
He also said that communities in Fakunya Chiefdom have received so many benefits from Rainforest Builder including employment.
“The livelihoods of people have increased based on what Rainforest Builder is doing now. They have constructed roads, connecting one village to the other,” PC Bengeh said.
Chairman of Moyamba District Council, Joseph B. Mbogba, expressed joy when he saw the massive transformation from Rainforest Builder’s project in his District.
According to Chairman Mbogba, Moyamba Junction used to face challenges of crime due to the lack of jobs and opportunities, but since Rainforest Builder started operations, incidents of theft has been reduced because most of the idle youth have been engaged in jobs.
“Rainforest Builder has been a very important aspect of our community. Planting trees will help to improve our degraded forest and when the company starts processing and getting carbon sales, it will help greatly,” Chairman Mbogba said.
He concluded by saying his Council too is benefiting from Rainforest Builder surface rent payment which they are very much grateful for.
A growing sector
Rainforest Builder will be working within more Chiefdoms. As its operations grow, more lands will be restored and more jobs will be created.
In addition to Rainforest Builder, there are also other private sector organizations focused on environmental sustainability. Last month, the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR) was announced at Sierra Leone’s National Forest and Climate Forum. Rainforest Builder is a member of the ACCR. These organizations attract investment for their climate-focused business models.
These investments benefit communities in rural Sierra Leone through job creation and the impact from the climate solutions, whether it is restoring and protecting forests or mangroves, or providing clean cookstoves to communities. This sector is positioned to grow and provide benefits to communities in the process.
