The Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL) has hosted an inaugural meeting to implement the Action Plan for the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Implementation Coordinating Committee (MICCOM).

On October 11, 2024, the agency held a meeting with members of the Committee (MICCOM) to discuss developing a collaborative framework for national-level actions in Sierra Leone’s implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) as mandated in section 66 of the EPA Act of 2022.

MEAs are legally binding international treaties between three or more countries that address critical global and regional environmental issues. These agreements address a wide range of issues, including biodiversity, climate change, waste management, chemicals, and air quality. The MICCOM will provide a collaborative framework for national-level measures and guarantee that Sierra Leone adheres to international environmental standards. The committee will also ensure that the requirements of these agreements are consistent with current coordinated efforts.

Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, Executive Chairman, explained that the session will not only allow for coordinated efforts to address environmental hazards but will also promote compliance with international agreements and assess Sierra Leone’s progress towards the goals set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other MEAs.

The committee will also ensure that the requirements of these agreements are consistent with current coordinated efforts. The sessions will not only allow for coordinated efforts to address environmental hazards but will also promote compliance with international agreements and assess Sierra Leone’s progress towards the goals set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other #MEAs.

Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi also emphasised the importance of improved stakeholder participation and ensured that MEAs are fully integrated into #EPA policy formulations, including current frameworks. He asked committee members to consider the current condition of #MEA implementation and seek alternative solutions to existing issues and drawbacks. He noted that these outcomes would be essential input because the committee will be chaired by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and deputised by the EPA’s Executive Chairman, as stipulated in Section 66 of the EPA Act of 2022.

The action plan for the committee’s implementation included resolutions on taking a planned and well-coordinated approach, conducting regular meetings, and concluding with a formal meeting.

These resolutions will promote intergovernmental coordination, improve national coordination, connect local efforts with global environmental standards, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s global position in addressing pressing environmental concerns.

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