AYV News, November 28, 2024
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC), has launched a groundbreaking report titled “Impacts of Displacement Linked to Sea Level Rise on Plantain Island in Sierra Leone.”
Supported by the European Union and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the report examines the effects of coastal erosion on Plantain Island, particularly its impacts on livelihoods, housing, security, education, and health.
Speaking at the launch, the Director General of NDMA, Lit. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing displacement challenges caused by climate change. “This report highlights the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable coastal communities. Sea level rise is not just an environmental issue; it is a humanitarian crisis. NDMA remains committed to working with our partners to implement sustainable solutions,” he stated.
Chiara Valenti, Research Associate at IDMC, while presenting the report, highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches in tackling displacement. “This report stresses the critical link between environmental degradation and displacement. By understanding how coastal erosion impacts housing, education, health, and livelihoods, we can shape policies and interventions that address the root causes and support the resilience of affected communities,” she said.
Representatives from the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society emphasised that the report is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. They pointed out that addressing sea level rise requires not just mitigation but also investment in adaptation measures for coastal areas.
They further stressed the need for a concerted effort to rebuild lives and strengthen resilience in affected communities.
Local representatives from Plantain Island, including Chief Gbassay Kargbo and chiefdom Speaker of Kagboro chiefdom, Alex H. Kamara, shared firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by their communities. “Our people are losing their homes, their livelihoods, and their heritage. We are grateful for the attention this report brings to our plight and urge immediate action to safeguard our future,” the chiefs stated.
Dr. Patrick Kormawa, representing the guest speaker, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, noted, “Sea level rise is not just an issue of climate; it is an issue of survival for these communities. This report provides us with the data and strategies needed to turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and resilience-building.”
He further encouraged NDMA to use the report to develop a policy for the protection and resilience of Plantain Island, describing it as a heritage that must be preserved by every means possible.
The report documents how rising sea levels have exacerbated coastal erosion on Plantain Island, leading to the destruction of homes, disruption of education, and significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The loss of arable land has undermined livelihoods, while increased salinization of water sources has worsened public health conditions.
The report further highlights the insecurity faced by residents due to the physical and economic vulnerabilities caused by displacement.
The report also provides key recommendations for tackling displacement caused by sea level rise, emphasizing the need for policy integration, enhanced disaster preparedness, and targeted support for affected communities. The findings are expected to serve as a guiding framework for addressing climate-induced displacement in Sierra Leone.
