Challenges of Biodiversity Conservation in Africa: A Case Study of Sierra Leone

Abstract

AbstractBiodiversity across Africa still plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem function, services and human well-being especially in rural Africa. Biodiversity conservation in a developing country like Sierra Leone remains a challenge for natural resources decision- and policymakers. Sierra Leone is endowed with considerable natural resources like forests, fish, minerals, agricultural resources, timber and fresh water. Different ecosystems in Sierra Leone face different biodiversity conservation threats and challenges. Forests, wetlands and fresh water, montane ecosystem, coastal and marine ecologies and the savannah ecosystem are the main ecosystems that faced immense biodiversity conservation threats in Sierra Leone. The threats to biodiversity conservation in Sierra Leone are mainly attributed to uncontrolled anthropogenic activities due to weak and obsolete policies. In such, deforestation, illegal logging, unsustainable slash-and-burn agricultural practices, illegal mining, climate change, illegal artisanal fishing, livestock rearing, wildfire, uncontrolled fuelwood collection, charcoal burning and urbanization among others are the major threats that biodiversity conservation faces in Sierra Leone. Despite the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and the formation of the National Protected Area Authority agency, the institutional framework on biodiversity conservation remains weak in policy enforcement, synergies and the sustainable management of forests and other natural resources. Biodiversity resources have contributed to rural livelihood and serve as a source of balanced diet and good nutrition food supplements. In addition, biodiversity serves as a source of income, spiritual fulfilment and has contributed directly or indirectly to the economic development of Sierra Leone. The obsolete Wildlife Conservation Act of 1972 is still the legally binding legislature charge with biodiversity protection in Sierra Leone. Other national policies supporting biodiversity conservation are the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans 2003–2010, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans 2017–2026 and the Fifth National Report on the Convention of Biological Diversity. Although Sierra Leone ratified the convention on biodiversity in 1996, the country lacks a comprehensive biodiversity conservation plan and road map that is specifically designed to minimize the threats facing biodiversity conservation. The study concludes that biodiversity conservation and maintenance are crucial for the provision of ecosystem services and functions for the current and future generations of Sierra Leone. Furthermore, biodiversity is central in improving the various ecological processes such as flood reduction, soil formation and nitrogen-fixing. It is recommended that government introduce biodiversity conservation topics in schools and colleges and provide adequate incentives for experts.KeywordsBiodiversitySierra LeoneForestsChallengesConservation Vegetation