Tourism Ministry Embarks on Stakeholder Engagement for the Formulation of a Wildlife Tourism Policy

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board embarked on a stakeholder engagement and site assessment at Masonia Village, Falaba District for the formulation of a Wildlife Tourism Policy. Supported by the World Bank funded Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), the policy will be very strategic in the management of wildlife reserves for tourism purposes.

The idea was conceived by the President, Brig. Rtd. Dr. Julius Maada Bio for Sierra Leone to have a Wildlife Sanctuary with exotic animals. It followed bilateral engagements between Sierra Leone and Kenya to understudy the Kenyan experience in Wildlife Tourism Management in order to replicate same in Sierra Leone. This necessitated the need for SLEDP to hire the services of Solmar International Consultancy to formulate a Wildlife Tourism Policy and a Business Plan for the Sierra Leone National Parks.

The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the consultant were part of the delegation to Masonia Village.

Senior Tourist Officer, Tamba S. Bundor remarked that the purpose of the stakeholder engagement was to promote the interest of the people of Loma Mountain using tourism as an enabler and at the same time develop the parks in a way that will generate revenue for the community without tampering with the authenticity of the forest.

Deputy Director of Tourism, Idrissa Bangura thanked community stakeholders for placing importance on Loma Mountain for its development, adding that government is focused on developing all the National Parks.

NPPA and Tacugama representatives highlighted the need for the protection of the forest in order for the community to harness its benefit through government and private sector interventions

The consultant, Mathew Humke told stakeholders that tourism development takes time but gives benefit that last longer, hence he encouraged them to adhere to sustainable environmental practices. After the hiking to Camp 1 of Bintumani Mountain in the Loma Forest, he pinpointed opportunities for wildlife and adventure tourism.

Representative of the Paramount Chief, Osman Marah expressed appreciation to the team on behalf of the people of Masonia for the consideration in bringing development to their Village. He committed their full cooperation in local tourism.

The team together with the consultant will proceed to Outamba Kilimi National Park for similar engagement and assessment of the Park.

Senior Tourist Officer, Tamba S. Bundor