SIERRA LEONE SECURES ITS FIRST UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

By Hassan Osman Kargbo

In a landmark achievement under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone has officially earned its first UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The Gola-Tiwai Complex, a rich ecological and cultural treasure in West Africa, has been formally inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, placing the nation on the global stage of environmental conservation and heritage preservation. The Gola-Tiwai Complex is one of the last remaining biodiversity hotspots in West Africa. It is home to critically endangered species such as the pygmy hippo, western chimpanzee, and white-necked picathartes, alongside hundreds of plants, bird, and insect species found nowhere else on Earth.

Its designation affirms the site’s outstanding universal value and the importance of safeguarding Sierra Leone’s natural legacy.

This international recognition is a testament to President Bio’s vision for environmental sustainability and his administration’s alignment with global climate and biodiversity goals. It also marks Sierra Leone’s emerging leadership role in conservation and climate action across the continent. Present at the official announcement in Paris were key national representatives, including the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Jiwoh E. Abdulai; Sierra Leone’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Madam Margaret Jah-Matturi; and Tommy Garnett, Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA). Mr. Garnett also serves as the chair of the board of the National Protected Areas Authority and has been instrumental in the long-standing stewardship of Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a core component of the newly designated site. Speaking to the press following the inscription, Hon. Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the transformative potential of the listing. “The World Heritage designation of the Gola-Tiwai Complex is a landmark achievement for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. Aligned with our 2025 Year of Ecotourism campaign, this recognition affirms the deep cultural heritage tied to our natural landscapes. It opens new pathways for community-based tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Tourism is everybody’s business in Sierra Leone.” In his official remarks to UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, Minister Abdulai stated, “The inscription of the Gola-Tiwai Complex as Sierra Leone's first World Heritage Site marks a significant milestone for our country.

It not only honors the outstanding universal value of this exceptional natural landscape but also affirms Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to conservation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. Garnett reflected on the long journey leading to the designation: “A great day for Africa, for Sierra Leone, for the people of Gola and Tiwai, and for all who care about nature. Thanks to the Government of Sierra Leone, especially the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, for their leadership.”

He also paid tribute to the collaborative efforts that made the achievement possible: “To our colleagues at Njala University and the Gola Rainforest National Park, thank you for standing with us from the start. And to the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, GEF, EU, Irish Aid, ERM Foundation and many others, your support over two decades made this possible.” The designation is expected to significantly boost sustainable development through ecotourism, creating income and employment opportunities for surrounding communities. It also paves the way for increased investment, enhanced conservation research, and stronger international partnerships.

This success story is the culmination of over 20 years of tireless work led by Tommy Garnett and the EFA, in collaboration with local communities, the Government of Sierra Leone, and international conservation partners. It reflects the critical role of Paramount Chiefs and traditional custodians who have preserved the integrity of the area for generations. With the UNESCO recognition now secured, the next phase will focus on developing a comprehensive site management plan, building local capacity, and integrating the complex into global conservation frameworks. These efforts aim to ensure the long-term protection and sustainable use of the Gola-Tiwai Complex as a national and global environmental treasure.