CLA26 UPDATE FOR DAY TWO

With a priority on biodiversity and nature conservation, we focused and addressed the following:

We discussed Sierra Leone’s progress toward completing the third generation of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAAP 3.0), a document that protects our natural heritage, prioritises nature conservation and equitable management of our natural resources, serves as our national response to biodiversity loss among the triple planetary crises, and fulfils our bilateral obligation to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change delivered a key presentation on how legislation works with evidence and why data improves oversight and accountability, as well as the formulation and adoption of policies and legislation that guide environmental governance and management.

Our boundary partner, NPAA, also discussed governance priorities for the Western Area Peninsular Park.

Interactive fireside chats featuring related and technically inclined panellists extensively discussed the valuation data and financial assurance initiative developed in collaboration with the NMA, as well as the importance of the initiative in improving accountability in the extractives sector.

Other plenary sessions focused on nature conservation, including the critical need to combat deforestation and forest degradation for sustainable national REDD+ carbon financing, the importance of catchment data in securing water security decisions, emerging data from the country’s first marine spatial planning, and the importance of effective communication in sustainability development.

St. Joseph’s Secondary School concluded today’s session with a brief skit emphasising the need of mangrove restoration, community involvement, and the application of a whole-of-government and society approach to sustainable natural resource management.

On Day Three, we will focus on Chemicals and Waste (Environmental Health and Safety).