Lake Sonfon: A Neglected Biodiversity-Rich Cultural Heritage

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Lake Sonfon: A Neglected Biodiversity-Rich…

Sep202019

The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone continues to bring you happenings across Sierra Leone’s threatened protected sites. Lake Sonfon is one such that continues to be subjected to massive destruction due to utter neglect by local and national authorities.

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In and around the Yawri Bay Marine Protected Area, the CSSL has implemented an integrated approach to mangrove conservation and climate resilience with measurable results. We restored 62.5 hectares of degraded mangrove forest by planting 312,500 seedlings—achieving a 90% survival rate—while mobilizing communities through education and direct action. We also established community-based structures such as mangrove monitoring committees, livelihood implementation groups, and local advocacy champions, who now lead resource protection independently. To strengthen household resilience, we launched Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), with over 150 participants—83% of them women—enhancing local financial stability, climate adaptability, and community cohesion.

“They (CSSL) have succeeded in restoring degraded mangrove habitats and increased awareness of the importance of mangrove conservation.” – Moyambe Community (FGD)

In addition to enhancing our financial independence, I believe the VSLA scheme further brings us together as members in our various communities.” – Osman Kargbo, Morchail community member

Improving climate and financial resilience in coastal communities

CSSL facilitated the establishment of the Gaya-yei Community Forest to counter ongoing forest degradation through locally led governance and accountability. Through sustained engagement, the community signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), developed and enacted local bye-laws to prevent destructive practices, and formed a Forest Management Committee to lead oversight. We provided targeted training in governance and resource management, equipping the community to make informed land-use decisions and engage with external stakeholders on forest protection. The Gaya-yei model now stands as a replicable example of community-driven conservation rooted in ownership, empowerment, and legal recognition.

“As the current chairman of our Forest Management Committee, I will continue to advocate for the protection of not only our forest but also other community forests…” – Abdul Musa, Chairman, Gaya-yei Community Forest

Establishing the Gaya-yei Community Forest as a Model for Inclusive Governance

CSSL has led an expansive conservation education and awareness campaign reaching over 80,000 individuals across 50+ forest and coastal communities. Through a mix of radio and TV broadcasts, school programs, community durbars, and roadshows, CSSL has strengthened public understanding of biodiversity and natural resource challenges. The establishment of 24 school-based nature clubs has further cultivated environmental leadership among youth and educators. These efforts have contributed to measurable behavioral shifts—such as reduced mangrove cutting and salt harvesting in the Yawri Bay Marine Protected Area and a decline in logging and poaching around the Gola Rainforest National Park—ultimately enhancing local stewardship and climate resilience.

“Before today, I used to think bird caging was helpful to birds, especially pigeons. But I now realise how cruel we have been to these important creatures…” – Mariatu Conteh, Pupil of Alfred Akibo-Betts Municipal Junior Secondary School, Freetown

“Like many of my colleague poachers, loggers and farmers, the project really helped to redirect my focus into realizing the importance of saving our forest. It was initially very difficult for me to change my ways of doing things, especially poaching and upland farming which were my main sources of income.” – Abdul Musa, Joru community

Fostering conservation awareness and shifting local practices

CSSL played a catalytic role in one of Sierra Leone’s most significant environmental and social justice milestones: the passage of the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act in 2022. Working in collaboration with civil society coalitions, we contributed to evidence-gathering, public awareness, and community engagement efforts that informed and built momentum for these groundbreaking laws. The Acts represent a paradigm shift in land and natural resource governance, granting legal recognition to communal land ownership and requiring Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for all large-scale investments. These reforms lay the legal foundation for the community-driven conservation and equitable resource management that CSSL champions.

Advancing Legal Reforms for Community Land and Resource Rights

At Lake Sonfon, one of Sierra Leone’s most threatened inland ecosystems, we led sustained efforts to reduce mining pressures, mobilize community resistance to illegal exploitation, and elevate the site’s national conservation profile. By strengthening community institutions and promoting alternative livelihoods, CSSL has helped position Lake Sonfon for long-term ecological recovery and governance reform.

“We have stopped mining in the protected area of Lake Sonfon. Through the engagements of CSSL, we understood that it is better for us not to mine close to the lake…” – Foday Jawara, Community Member.

Halting Environmental Degradation around Lake Sonfon and Pampana River

We played a foundational role in the establishment of the Gola Rainforest National Park—transforming a production forest into one of West Africa’s most recognized protected areas. CSSL contributed to policy advocacy, community mobilization, and technical groundwork, laying the foundation for a REDD+ program that has generated over £10 million in revenue. Through its benefit-sharing model, Gola has demonstrated that forest conservation can deliver measurable community benefits and international visibility.

“What’s unique is that, they are working in partnership with the Gola National Park, and they reach the most vulnerable communities, they are always with us, and they provide support in terms of advocacy.” – Fomba Kanneh, Head of Gola Rainforest Conservation Ltd

Securing the Gola Rainforest as Sierra Leone’s First REDD+ National Park

Lake Sonfon: A Neglected Biodiversity-Rich Cultural Heritage

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