By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) recently concluded a two-day conference dedicated to Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA), gathering experts and stakeholders to discuss the critical importance of collaboration in advancing environmental progress.
Among the participants was Mr. Fuad Yusuf Bangura, Director of Climate Change at the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF). He took part in a panel discussion titled “Next-Gen Climate and Biodiversity Commitments: Seeking Partners for NDC, LT-LEDS, and NBSAP Development.”
During the discussion, Mr. Bangura highlighted several challenges Sierra Leone faces in fulfilling its climate commitments, including limited data, capacity gaps, weak enforcement of regulations, and financial constraints. He emphasized the vital role of PI-CREF in enhancing coordination among various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and fostering partnerships for effective climate action.
Established by President Julius Maada Bio, PI-CREF aims to reduce overlap and duplication in environmental initiatives. Mr. Bangura announced the development of an interactive collaboration tracking tool designed to improve coordination among institutions addressing climate change and environmental issues. “This tool will track collaborations and help synchronize the efforts of these institutions, thereby preventing overlap,” he stated. He noted that this tool would be distinct from the government-wide performance tracker, as it specifically targets climate-related challenges.
Mr. Bangura also recognized the significant contributions of PI-CREF’s Chairman in mobilizing support for climate programs, asserting that the Chairman has successfully leveraged resources, particularly through the annual PI-CREF Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue (CRET), which attracts international funding partners committed to tackling climate issues in Sierra Leone.
The EPA’s CLA Conference provided a valuable platform for building trust, fostering investment, and enabling partners to share ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions to climate change challenges.
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