Video Documentaries “We for Nature. Nature for us.”
The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) proudly presents the first part of the environmental documentary series “We for Nature. Nature for Us.”
Sierra Leone is a country of rich biodiversity and the home to unique species. We call our country home to the Western Chimpanzee, the Pigmy Hippo, the White-necked Picathartes, sea turtles and many other animals and plants which are not found in other parts of the world. But our environment is under pressure. Our forests are decreasing. Our fishing areas are lacking fish. Our country is getting more and more affected by consequences of climate change and environmental destruction.
The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone works in different parts of the country with communities and for communities to protect their own environment for the better of all – for the better of people and nature. In our video series “We for Nature. Nature for Us.” we present the unique ecosystems of Sierra Leone, the challenges, people are facing and the solutions we are working on to ensure that nature will take care of us also tomorrow.
Desperate Voices from the Outamba-Kilimi
The documentary, “Desperate Voices from Outamba-Kilimi”, portrays the beauty and importance of the Outamba-Kilimi National Park (OKNP), the oldest National Park in Sierra Leone, while vividly outlining existing major threats and infrastructural decline due to human activities and unprecedented neglect by government. The documentary calls for the immediate attention of government and partners to support communities to protect the park and sustainably secure their livelihood.
Lake Sonfon: a neglected biodiversity-rich cultural heritage
Lake Sonfon is a fresh water mountain lake in Diang chiefdom, northeast of Sierra Leone. It has religious and cultural significance to nearby communities and towns. It is located in the hills of the Sula Mountains at an altitude of 549 m (1,801 ft) above sea level. The lake drains from its southern end, which forms the source of the Pampana River, and is fed by seven small streams with its water level varying considerably during the year.
This documentary, produced by the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, exposes the ongoing massive destruction on the lake by mining activities for gold, as well as logging and unsustainable farming practices. It vividly shows the negative impacts of such activities on the environment, biodiversity and the health of nearby communities which depend on the water sourced from the lake for drinking and other domestic purposes.
The Gola Rainforest
Travel with us to the eastern part of Sierra Leone, the home of White-necked Picathartes, Pigmy Hippos, Chimpanzees and many more and enjoy the amazing beauty of the Gola Rainforest.
Being the last part left of the once huge Upper Guinea Rainforest the Gola is a real nature jewel. The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, together with national and international partners works with communities around the Gola to improve their living while protecting the forest. Learn more about a successful way of protecting the rainforest with joint hands.
The Kambui Hills – the crying forest
The Kambui Hills Forest Reserve is not far from the Gola Rainforest. People who have been to Kenema some years ago will remember the beaty of the forest around the city, the fresh air and the relaxing cool climate. But seems like these days are gone. When you approach Kenema nowadays you can witness deforested hills, construction sites inside the protected areas and environmental destruction wherever you look.
We as Conservation Society of Sierra Leone are very alerted because of the fast speed of degradation. We call for emergency action now. The video shows how desperate the situation is and how important it is to act fast and to take the protection of the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve serious.
The Yawri Bay – Protecting Mangroves protects livelihoods
Sierra Leone has a long coastline with many communities depending on the sea. Fisher communities like in Tombo and in the Yawri Bay complain about lesser catch since several years. One reason is the destruction of Mangrove Forests along the coast. Mangroves are the breeding areas for fish, they keep the soil in place and protect the cost from erosion. Mangroves keep more carbon than any other tree that’s what makes them crucial to fight climate change.
Meet fishermen, wood sellers and the manga woman who explain the challenges the face as they rely on the mangroves and their wood but in the same time know that they have to protect them to protect their own livelihoods.
The Western Area Peninsula Forest –
“I remember the days when these hills were covered with thick forest, birds, monkeys and other animals were around. But today, the forest is gone…” This is how the documentary about the Western Area Peninsula Forest starts. Everyone in and around Freetown can witness the fast decreasing of the forest cover and at the same time how nature is fighting back through floods, landslides and storms – like the one which brought down the famous Cotton Tree.
The forest on the hills of the peninsula is not only important as a home to many species but also as the water catchment area for Freetown and all people on the peninsula. When the forest is gone, there will be no water anymore. The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone calls all parties, calls to government and to all Freetonians: Let´s protect the Western Area Peninsula Forest, because water na live!
Please note: The audio of the documentaries is in Krio, Temne and Mende. Switch on subtitles to get the English translation.
BIOPAMA Project: Securing the Future of Kambui Hills Forest Reserve
The Biodiversity and Protection Areas Management (BIOPAMA) programme contributes to improving the long term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific regions in protected areas and surrounding communities through better use and monitoring information and capacity development and governance.
This video presents some of the outcomes of the interventions of the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone in its quest to secure the future of Kambui Hills Forest Reserve in the east of the country.
For more information on BIOPAMA, please visit: BIOPAMA Project