Sierra Leone News: EPA, Regional experts strategize on combating seaweed invasion

There has been series of speculations as to what is responsible for the invasion of Sierra Leone’s shores by seaweeds. However, this experience is not typical to Sierra Leone shores only since most West African countries along the coastline are faced with the experience annually.

In reaction to this environmental catastrophe and in response to requests from the Government of Sierra Leone and other affected countries in the region to provide technical support in dealing with the ecological and socioeconomic impacts caused by the seaweed invasion in the region, the Abidjan Conventions Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of Marine Environment from Land-based activities, West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Project (WABiCC) and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 11th November organized the first regional expert group meeting at Country Lodged in Freetown.

The meeting brought together Professors, Scientists, Marine Biologists and other stakeholders from the 9 West African affected countries (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo) to deliberate on Marine and costal biodiversity management.

The three-day meeting will focus on information sharing; knowledge building on the seaweed phenomenon; promote best and develop ocean governance arrangement in combating the phenomenon.
In her welcome address, EPA Sierra Leone Executive Chairperson, Mrs. Haddijatou Jallow said the common goal of the meeting is to address the growing environmental challenges facing their various countries.
Whilst assuring that EPA would continue to strengthen its policies, she also thanked participants for honoring their invitation amidst their busy schedules.
Today, participants would engage on an assessment field visit followed by debriefing on the major factors driving the spread of seaweed in the region.
Tomorrow, participants are expected to formulate a draft common regional strategy on the collection of seaweeds and the creation of “Inclusive Green Jobs” in affected countries in the region.
Given the transatlantic nature of the seaweed invasion, spanning from the Caribbean to the shores of West Africa, UNEP intends to discuss this issue as a side event during the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly in May next year. The intent is to draw attention of the wider environmental community on the impacts of this recurring phenomenon.