In a significant gathering aimed at tackling the pressing issues of climate change, Trocaire and its partner organizations convened a multi-stakeholder meeting on 28th October 2024 at the Vanilla Complex Aberdeen Freetown focused on Pre-COP 29 National Policy Dialogue on climate change, adaptation and mitigation strategies in Sierra Leone. The event saw influential voices from government, civil society, and the private sector come together to discuss resource mobilization, climate finance, and policy development.
Tity Simbo Kamara, Vice Chairperson of the Climate Change Network (CliCNet), opened the meeting by emphasizing the urgent need for cohesive efforts in mitigating climate change impacts. “The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is an existential threat that affects our health, stability, and future, we must engage all stakeholders, from grassroots organizations to government bodies, to build comprehensive strategies that prioritize climate adaptation and resilience,” Kamara stated.
In emphasizing the primary goal of Climate Change Network (CliCNet) Sierra Leone, Tity Simbo Kamara noted that ClicNet is to established and build a coordinated, cohesive and inclusive platform that enables over 50 CSOs/NGOs to work collectively towards addressing climate change challenges in the country.
In his statement, George Were, Trocaire’s Country Director, highlighted that as the world prepares for COP 29 where nations come together to make committment where Sierra Leone will be part of those nations whose voice will be heard in making sure that actions are taking to intensify our collective effort towards climate action, climate resilience and sustainability. He pointed out that Sierra Leone is one of the countries that suffers the most when it comes to issues of climate change yet for some reasons the country is the least contributors especially when it comes to carbon omission.
The Country Director stated that the critical role of financial support in enhancing climate resilience. “Resource mobilization is key to our success, we need to develop innovative financing mechanisms that ensure sufficient funds are available for climate adaptation projects,” Were added. He noted that Trocaire is committed to working with their partners to advocate for more robust climate finance initiatives, expressing the underlining need for collaboration with international donors and local governments.
Adding to the dialogue, Henry David Bayoh, Senior Climate Change Consultant at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Sierra Leone, stressed the importance of policy development and advocacy in climate action. “Policies tailored to our local contexts must be developed and enforced, they should support sustainable practices that help communities adapt to changing climates,” Bowoh asserted. Additionally, he emphasized that advocacy plays a vital role in influencing decision-makers to prioritize climate action in their agendas.
The gathering also featured first-hand accounts of local challenges faced by communities due to climate change. Participants shared stories on how flooding, drought, and erratic weather patterns are threatening livelihoods and food security. Many called for increased collaboration between sectors to address these issues effectively.
The event concluded with a series of panel discussions that allowed stakeholders to engage in deeper conversations about practical solutions. Experts from various sectors provided insights into successful adaptation initiatives and the importance of developing synergies among different actors in the climate space.
As representatives left the venue, there was a palpable sense of urgency and commitment to collaborative action. Many expressed hope that combined efforts would not only mobilize resources but also galvanize community involvement and empower vulnerable populations to confront the challenges posed by climate change.
The dialogue marked a substantial step forward in the fight against climate change in Sierra Leone, laying the groundwork for future partnerships aimed at fostering a more resilient community. With voices like Kamara, Warre, and Bawoh advocating for necessary changes, there is optimism that a collective approach can indeed yield meaningful results in overcoming the climate crisis.
