FCC, NPAA Partner to Protect Western Area’s Vital Conservation Spaces

The Freetown City Council (FCC) and the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) are working towards developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen the joint management, protection and conservation of protected areas within the Western Area.

The discussions were held on Monday, 13 July 2026, during a meeting at the Office of the Executive Director of NPAA, where officials from both institutions explored ways to enhance coordination and clarify their respective roles in managing conservation spaces.

The proposed MOU is expected to expand collaboration beyond the two NPAA-managed project areas currently being overseen by FCC, while creating opportunities for future partnerships involving additional locations within the protected park system.

As part of the proposed arrangement, both institutions agreed to establish a joint technical team to assess identified areas, address technical concerns, improve coordination and provide recommendations to guide implementation and decision-making.

FCC and NPAA further agreed that all proposed areas must undergo a joint assessment before any concession agreement is finalised to determine their suitability and ensure compliance with conservation and management objectives.

The MOU will outline the responsibilities of both institutions and establish mechanisms for joint decision-making, accountability, environmental restoration, conservation and the protection of designated areas.

The collaboration highlights ongoing efforts by FCC and NPAA to promote sustainable environmental management and strengthen the protection of protected areas within the Western Area.

Further engagements are expected as both institutions continue discussions towards finalising the cooperation framework.