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It seems clear that the problems of the nearshore and
coastal zones pose the most pressing threats to the marine
environment. These threats are primarily terrigenous in
origin and are related to sewage disposal and pollutant run-
offs. The assessment also reveals that the trend of increasing
pressure on the environment will certainly continue for
as long as urban migration remains high. Such issues
requiring priority attention include the potential threats
of invasive species, marine litter, increasing uncontrolled
coastal development leading to habitat degradation and
changing land-use patterns, and climate change.
Moreover, overexploitation of natural resources from the
coastal and marine areas also contribute to the threat to the
marine environment. This is predicated on overwhelming
dependence by rural and coastal communities on such
resources in the face of widespread poverty and limited
opportunities for alternative livelihoods.
The present level of agricultural wastes, herbicides,
pesticides and fertilizers discharged may not yet constitute
a major concern but the rate at which mangrove vegetation
is being lost to rice-planting is worrisome.
A challenge is the lack of a proper data base. Lack of data
has made it very difficult to compare time scales and rate
of changes over time. However, it is clear that the national
awareness already exists and remedial mechanisms are
being implemented without waiting for scientific tools
to be developed. A total of 60 parameters were assessed
during the expert elicitation workshop, 8 were assessed as
very good and 43 as good so the present situation is not
critical. But 12 of the parameters were assessed as declining
during the last 5 years so there is reason to take action.
To repeat the assessment in regular intervals will be a cost
efficient way to monitor the trend.
Other pressures including mining and associated
infrastructure is assessed as the biggest pressure with loss
of habitat, slope stability and protection, biodiversity and
low water quality.
Four out of the twelve potential risks were considered high
in a 5 years perspective, and 8 in a 50 years perspective.
In the last decade a great number of actions and important
management measures have been taken to improve the
state and outlook of Sierra Leone’s coastal and marine
environment. Several other initiatives within the country,
by partners and collaborators, have augmented and
assisted in the realization of a healthier environment for
10. Conclusions
sustainable economic and social development. The actions
advocated are both in response to the identified threats
facing the country and attempts to address climate change
and other emerging issues.
Sierra Leone is already developing and implementing
improved management strategies in order to mainstream
environmental concerns into national policy, regulatory,
and institutional mechanisms that are critical to achieving
sustainable results. These include improvements in many
of the regulations governing the marine environment,
designation of new Marine Protected Areas and proposals
for additional coastal protected areas. Improved regulations
also require focused enforcement efforts to assist in
sustaining gains in environmental protection, rebuilding
stocks, and maximizing the long-term benefits of the goods
and services provided by the ecosystem.
Also, there is an increased awareness of environmental
problems by both the government and the population and
a growing commitment to allocate the necessary resources
to resolving current problems and tackling proactively
other emerging issues.
Finally, it could be concluded that the Sierra Leone marine
environment is in a stable and fairly good condition.
Environmental management has improved over the
last 5–10 years, the national awareness is there, and
the country currently has the will and potential to make
more improvements.