REDD+ Engages PI-CREF to Address Forestry Issues in Sierra Leone
Monday, March 10, 2025– A delegation from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) that houses the Reduce Emission from Deforestation/Degradation (REDD+) today visited the PI-CREF Secretariat where they were warmly received by senior staff members on behalf of Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, chairman.
According to Mr. Gbessay E.S Momoh, National Technical Coordinator for REDD+, the purpose of the bilateral visit was to introduce the REDD+ project and explore areas of collaboration with PI-CREF especially to facilitate coordination among related Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to get the country ready for the REDD+ Project.
“REDD+ was introduced as an incentive for developing countries to reduce deforestation…and to ensure environmental and social benefits,” said Mr. Momoh as he noted the importance of ensuring Sierra Leone is ready for the REDD+ project.
Mr. Momoh underscored the importance for REDD+ to be included in key climate change policy documents and anchoring it in government institutions and at the community level. He said they are currently developing a National REDD+ Roadmap and stakeholder engagement strategies.
For his part, Peter M. Kaindaneh, Chief Technical Adviser at PI-CREF, described PI-CREF’s primary focus – remove barriers and help in fast tracking the implementation of projects related to climate change, renewable energy and food security.
Dr. Patrick Kormawa, Director of Climate-Smart Agriculture thanked the team and said, the PI-CREF Strategic Plan 2024-2030 captured climate and forest related issues and PI-CREF will be open to more collaboration on that aspect.
Mr. Fuad Yusuf Bangura, Director of Climate Change called for the inclusion of companies engaged in forestry activities into discussions like these to get them involved.