Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. In a significant stride towards safeguarding Sierra Leone’s coastal communities, GOAL Sierra Leone, with backing from Community Foundation Ireland through the Sunflower Blue Economy Food and Livelihood Program, has officially inducted key community stakeholders into the management of marine resources across critical fishing zones.
The induction ceremony took place at D’Bim D’Bam Hall on Wellington Street in Freetown, marking a milestone in community-led coastal management initiatives.
The event also featured the symbolic handover of boat engines intended to bolster rescue operations and marine safety efforts. Communities targeted by this initiative include Tokeh, Borbor, Portee, Rokupr, Old Wharf, and Jui—areas heavily reliant on fishing and situated near ecologically sensitive marine habitats.
These zones have been prioritized due to their economic dependence on fishing and their environmental importance. The gathering drew a diverse array of participants, including fishermen and women from the designated clusters, government officials, civil society representatives, and senior representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.
A core outcome of the event was the official accreditation of Community Management Associations (CMAs), established through a partnership between GOAL Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Marine Resources.
These associations are now entrusted with overseeing coastal affairs, with responsibilities that include combating illegal fishing, curbing destructive practices, conserving mangroves, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Engineer Yayah Kamara from the Ministry of Marine Resources emphasized that the government has previously enacted laws against illegal fishing. He commended the partnership with GOAL Sierra Leone, stating that the collaboration is now translating legal frameworks into effective action through community empowerment and resource provision.
Madam Philomina Isatu Turay, Deputy Director of Communication at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), highlighted the dangers of environmental degradation caused by human activities. She urged community members to take an active role in protecting mangroves, which serve as vital breeding grounds for marine life, and to act as frontline defenders of their coastal ecosystems.
Representing the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED), Manso Kargbo praised the collaborative efforts under the Blue Economy framework, calling for continued teamwork among all stakeholders to realize shared economic and environmental objectives.
Fishermen’s representative Gbassy Kabia expressed gratitude for the support from the government and GOAL Sierra Leone. He assured that fishermen are committed to working with the newly inducted CMAs, emphasizing that the initiative would benefit not only fishermen but the wider community.
Madam Asma Jalloh, Coordinator of the Blue Economy Food Security and Livelihood Program, explained that while community management groups (CMAs) are not new, this initiative provides formal accreditation, empowering members with enforcement authority. She highlighted that the donated engines would significantly enhance disaster response capabilities and marine surveillance. Jalloh further noted that CMAs serve as vital links between fishermen and suppliers, fostering transparency and promoting sustainable fishing practices. She described them as the “eyes and ears” of the coastal environment, dedicated to ending harmful fishing methods and advocating for responsible resource use.
Fisheries Officer Moseray Kabba from the Ministry of Marine Resources reminded attendees that enforcement of fishing laws must be taken seriously and urged communities to adopt better fishing practices for the long-term benefit of all. In his keynote address, GOAL Sierra Leone Program Manager Getu Woyessa Debella described the induction as a pivotal step towards sustainable coastal governance.
He called for community leaders to lead with pride and integrity, emphasizing that their new roles extend beyond traditional leadership to become stewards of Sierra Leone’s coastal heritage. Debella concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to view marine resource management as a shared responsibility, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that benefits current and future generations.
The event was chaired by Madam Nematu Conteh, Program Officer of the Blue Economy Food Security and Livelihood Program. As the ceremony wrapped up, boat engines were distributed to the participating communities, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in community-led marine conservation efforts.
This initiative underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and the empowerment of local communities to safeguard their aquatic resources.
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