Comm Unit/MoECC
The Deputy Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens, affirmed that the wetlands, mountains, beaches, and biodiversity are national treasures entrusted not only for the benefit of the current generation but should be protected for generations yet unborn.
She made this declaration at the Youth Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Training Initiative held at the Milton Margai Campus.
This remarkable event brought together Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, Lecturers, and students under the theme: “Climate Change and Environmental Duty of Care”.
The goal of the training is to strengthen university students’ knowledge, awareness, and practical understanding of climate resilience, environmental stewardship and sustainable adaptation approach.
Delivering her statement as a Guest Speaker, Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens commended the organizers for investing in the country’s greatest asset—”our young people”. She affirmed that preservation of the environment required concerted efforts from all and sundry in society whilst recognizing the initiative as not more than just a training programme but an investment in the future leaders, innovators, environmental defenders, and climate champions of Sierra Leone.
“Today’s theme reminds us that caring for our environment is not merely a government responsibility—it is a shared duty. Every citizen has an obligation to protect the natural resources upon which our lives and livelihoods depend”, she affirmed.
The Deputy Minister of Environmental and Climate Change acknowledged the environmental consequences Sierra Leone is already experiencing in terms of devastating impacts through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, sea level rise, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increasing threats to food security and public health. She furthered that these challenges affected everyone which could place an even greater burden on young people, who would inherit both the consequences of today’s actions and the responsibility of shaping tomorrow’s solutions. In line with this, she considered youth training as an essential event.
“Young people possess the creativity, energy, technological skills, and innovative spirit needed to transform our environmental challenges into opportunities. Across our country, we are already witnessing inspiring examples of youth leading tree planting campaigns, promoting recycling and waste management, educating communities on environmental protection, developing climate-smart agricultural practices, creating green businesses, and using digital technology to raise awareness on climate action. As young leaders, you can demonstrate that age is never a barrier to making meaningful change”, she noted.
Hon. Mimi Sobba-Stephens acknowledged the visionary leadership of H.E President Bio for placing environmental protection, climate resilience, and youth empowerment at the centre of the national development agenda. Similarly, she maintained that President Bio has become one of Africa’s respected voices on climate justice, and had consistently advocated for increased climate finance, equitable global climate action, protection of vulnerable countries, and stronger international partnerships to address the impacts of climate change on developing nations at global level.
The Deputy Minister was unequivocal on the country’s significant progress in strengthening environmental governance and climate resilience.
She disclosed that the Ministry has enhanced national climate policies, strengthened climate coordination, promoted ecosystem restoration, supported sustainable land management, expanded climate adaptation initiatives, and mobilised international partnerships to support climate-resilient development, and also advanced national awareness campaigns on environmental protection, encouraged climate education, supported community resilience programmes, and worked closely with local councils, civil society, development partners, and young people to build climate-resilient communities across the country.
“The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone continues to play a leading role in enforcing environmental regulations, conducting environmental impact assessments, promoting responsible waste management, combating pollution, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that development activities remain environmentally sustainable. The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency has significantly improved weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. Through timely weather information and climate services, SLMet helps communities, farmers, fishermen, disaster managers, and policymakers make informed decisions that save lives and protect livelihoods. Equally important is the work of the National Protected Area Authority, which safeguards Sierra Leone’s protected areas, forests, wildlife, and unique biodiversity. Through conservation programmes and community partnerships, NPAA ensures that our natural heritage remains protected while supporting sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism opportunities”, she stated.
“My message to every young person here is simple: Be ambassadors of environmental responsibility.
Be innovators who create sustainable solutions. Be advocates who inspire others. Be leaders who act with integrity.
And above all, never underestimate the power of your voice or your actions.
As we move forward, let us embrace collective action. Let this training ignite new ideas, strengthen partnerships, inspire innovation, and empower every participant to become a lifelong champion of environmental stewardship”, she concluded.