FAO Hands Over Vehicles to Ministry of Environment for Sustainable Forestry
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the European Union (EU), officially handed over four Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop vehicles to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in a move aimed at strengthening sustainable forestry management in Sierra Leone.
The vehicles, transferred during a formal ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, will be used to monitor forestry activities, support reforestation initiatives, and facilitate the implementation of conservation policies. Representatives from the European Union, FAO, government officials, stakeholders, and media attended the event.
FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, Saeed Abubakar Bancie, emphasized the significance of the donation. “The provision of these vehicles is a testament to the collaborative effort between the EU, MoECC, and FAO in tackling deforestation and climate change. These vehicles will enhance the efficiency of field officers, directly contributing to the sustainable management of our forest resources,” he said.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Elizabeth Hawa Ellie, acknowledged the importance of the support. “These vehicles are not just machines; they symbolize our commitment to sustainable forestry. They will help us enforce regulations, protect our forests, and work closely with local communities on conservation efforts,” she stated.
Gerald Halter, First Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “By enhancing the Ministry’s capacity, we are not just donating vehicles; we are investing in the future of Sierra Leone’s forests and the well-being of its people,” he said.
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by FAO, the EU, and the Sierra Leonean government to promote sustainable management of natural resources and combat environmental degradation.
