By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Koinadugu District, October 3-4, 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has continued its nationwide Nature-Based Digital Ecotourism Training in Kabala, furthering the Ministry’s Year of Ecotourism campaign aimed at enhancing community capacity and promoting sustainable tourism throughout Sierra Leone.
Opening the training session, Paramount Chief Gbawun K. Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom welcomed the Ministry’s delegation and commended the government for prioritizing tourism as a vital driver of local economic growth. He emphasized the importance of tourism for livelihoods and small enterprises while calling for urgent action to protect Lake Sonfon from illegal mining to safeguard its ecological and tourism potential.
Deputy Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Program, Idrissa Bangura, stated that the training aligns with the National Tourism Policy and the Ecotourism Development and Action Plan, which are designed to equip communities with essential digital skills and sustainable tourism practices. He described Koinadugu as a district rich in natural and cultural assets, urging local collaboration in mapping its tourism attractions.
The training workshop included expert presentations on content creation for tourism promotion, digital marketing, the tourism value chain, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism management. Participants engaged actively, discussing how to adapt these lessons to Koinadugu’s unique cultural and environmental context.
Following the training, participants and MTCA staff undertook site visits to prominent attractions in the district. Highlights included Wara Wara Mountain, known for its annual New Year festival that draws locals and diaspora members, offering stunning views and adventure tourism opportunities. The Ministry, through the National Tourist Board (NTB), has initiated efforts to prepare the area for visitors, although challenges remain in fully realizing its potential. The team also visited Senekedugu Village, recognized for its vegetable production and opportunities for agro-tourism, providing direct benefits to local farmers and communities.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs reaffirmed its dedication to empowering communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and positioning Koinadugu as a key destination that harmonizes nature, culture, and adventure.
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