Introduction
At the end of the civil war, communities throughout Sierra Leone didn’t have the tools or support to shape land-based investments. As a result, negotiations with investors were marked by deep power imbalances, which often led to exploitation, unfair lease agreements, and environmental harm. More than 20 years later, as companies pursue conservation and ecological restoration projects designed to generate carbon credits, greater transparency and stronger engagement with community land rights can help ensure these efforts deliver equitable and lasting impact.
People Rising: Beside the Water
Namati supports communities affected by large-scale mining, agribusiness, and carbon projects to protect customary land rights, reverse land grabs, seek remedies to unlawful pollution, and, if they wish, negotiate fair deals with investors. In 2022, Namati paralegals and communities envisioned, fought for, and won two of the most progressive laws on land, climate, and environmental justice in the world. Currently, Namati is working with the Ministry of Environment to draft a national carbon strategy that sets out key principles and safeguards for carbon projects. Learn more about Namati’s Land, Environmental, and Climate (LEC) Justice program here.
“Sierra Leone has vast potential in the carbon credit market and through collaborative efforts, we can develop a framework that ensures transparency, sustainability, and economic benefits for our communities,” said Sonkita Conteh, Managing Director of Namati Sierra Leone.
