Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Lead Communications and Public Relations Officer for the National Tourism Board, Kai Bockarie-Saquee, has in a recent interview clarified the organization’s stance on the protection of Tacugama and other forest reserves in Sierra Leone.
Bockarie-Saquee stated that while safeguarding those areas is not part of the Board’s primary responsibilities, they recognize their significance as tourist attractions.
“It is not our primary job to protect Tacugama or other forest reserves, but we do so because they are tourist attractions,” he explained.He clarified that the degradation of those forests could have dire consequences for the nation’s tourism industry, potentially undermining Sierra Leone’s efforts to establish itself as an emerging tourist destination.
When asked whether the Ministry is contributing to the challenges surrounding Tacugama’s protection, Bockarie-Saquee emphasized that the Ministry’s functions do not include the oversight of forestry or land protection. Instead, he noted that their role focuses on developing policies to enhance Sierra Leone’s profile as a tourist destination.
“We have no place to talk about inviting tourists or Sierra Leone being an emerging destination,” he stated, affirming the need for effective structures to ensure the safety of those natural reserves.
Despite acknowledging that it is not their statutory duty, Bockarie-Saquee affirmed the National Tourism Board’s commitment to collaborating with partners to address the issues facing Tacugama and other protected areas.
He reiterated that their involvement stems from genuine interest in preserving those vital natural resources, ensuring that they remain attractive and accessible to tourists in the future.
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