Youth-led community mangrove restoration to boost ecosystem health in Yawri Bay, Sierra Leone

Anita Kainrath, Ocean Image Bank
Yawri Bay, Sierra Leone

Community-led mangrove restoration for climate resilience

In Yawri Bay, Sierra Leone, community efforts are crucial for protecting local livelihoods and ecosystems as they face mounting climate challenges.

Yawri Bay, located near Freetown, Sierra Leone, is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) with vital mangrove habitats supporting migratory bird populations and artisanal fishing communities. Designated as an MPA in 2012, the bay has experienced limited conservation efforts, leaving local communities vulnerable to climate change impacts. While industrial fisheries contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s economy, the artisanal sector, essential for regional food security, lacks integration with climate adaptation measures, particularly in MPAs and Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries (TURFs). Addressing this gap, community-led initiatives are focusing on sustainable livelihoods and building local capacity to protect these critical mangrove ecosystems.

Project Info

Location
Yawri Bay, Sierra Leone
BNC focus
Marine Protected Areas
Funding duration
16 months (2023–2024)
Project developer
Project Partner

More information

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A sustainable nature-based solution

The Yawri Bay project in Sierra Leone addresses critical environmental challenges. It focuses on mangrove conservation and restoration to combat resource depletion from overfishing and deforestation. The initiative targets 10,000 hectares within the Marine Protected Area to improve biodiversity, enhance ecotourism potential, and benefit 80,000 coastal residents.

This project will pilot five climate-smart livelihood options to reduce ecosystem degradation while elevating local socio-economic conditions. Emphasizing the involvement of youth and women ensures skill retention and the swift adoption of sustainable management practices. Key components include active stakeholder engagement, habitat restoration, and consistent monitoring, with government bodies and local communities encouraged to participate. By promoting sustainable practices and resilient livelihoods, the Yawri Bay project supports ecosystem protection and climate change mitigation, establishing a nature-based model that benefits both people and the planet.

How BNCFF supports the Yawri Bay mangrove restoration project

BNCFF bolsters the Yawri Bay Mangrove Restoration project with essential funding and expertise, enhancing its capacity to engage local communities and establish sustainable, impactful conservation measures. This support enables the project to implement effective restoration practices and strengthen community resilience through climate-smart strategies.

Impacts created

Nature

This project supports biodiversity and ecological health in Yawri Bay by enhancing the management of 10,000 hectares of mangroves. The restored mangrove ecosystem strengthens coastal protection and contributes to climate resilience, creating a healthier environment for wildlife and local communities.

People

The project empowers local communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and building skills, focusing on youth and women’s participation. Through hands-on involvement in environmental stewardship, residents gain the tools to preserve their natural resources and improve their quality of life.

Business

The project fosters economic stability aligned with conservation goals through sustainable finance models and climate-smart livelihood options. This approach benefits local businesses by promoting sustainable growth and resilience, supporting long-term prosperity for the Yawri Bay community.

Calls for Proposals

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