Gola Rainforest Team Engages Communities in Pujehun District Ahead of REDD+ Validation Visit

Gola Rainforest Team Engages Communities in Pujehun District Ahead of REDD+ Validation Visit

The Gola Rainforest Conservation team has conducted a sensitization and mobilization exercise across several communities in Makpele Chiefdom, Pujehun District, aiming to strengthen community participation and raise awareness of ongoing conservation initiatives

The exercise aimed to prepare local residents for the upcoming visit of REDD+ Project Validators, who will assess the progress and impact of the Gola REDD+ Project.

The team engaged traditional leaders, section chiefs, youth representatives, women’s groups, and local residents, emphasizing that the validation exercise is a collaborative assessment, not an audit, and that community input is crucial to the project’s evaluation.

Mr. Fomba Kanneh of the Gola team highlighted the importance of community participation.

“The REDD+ project is not just about forest protection. It is about people and progress. Our communities are our partners, and their understanding, cooperation, and active involvement are key to ensuring that the benefits of the project are sustained,” he said.

The team also visited Sileti Park Station to engage park rangers and forest guards on forest protection activities, wildlife monitoring, and preparations for the validators’ visit. Rangers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining patrols, reporting forest disturbances, and supporting community sensitization efforts.

Community members welcomed the visit, describing it as both educational and motivating. Women’s leaders and youth representatives expressed appreciation for the Gola team’s engagement, emphasizing the importance of transparency, community unity, and active participation in forest conservation.

The Gola REDD+ Project (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a flagship initiative that combines environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods. Through activities such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and forest-friendly enterprises, the project aims to preserve Sierra Leone’s first national park while improving the welfare of surrounding communities.

The sensitization exercise marks a step toward ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed, engaged, and central to the management and protection of the Gola Rainforest National Park. Both the Gola team and community members expressed optimism that the upcoming validation process will reflect the dedication, collaboration, and progress achieved since the project’s inception.

About Gola Rainforest

Covering over 70,000 hectares in southeastern Sierra Leone, the Gola Rainforest National Park is home to hundreds of rare plant and animal species. It plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community development through initiatives such as REDD+.