NPAA Continues Popularizing Bylaws To Protect Outamba Kilimi National Park

The National Protected Area Authority under the Outamba Kilimi—Kuru Hills—Penselli—Soyah (OKKPS) project supported by the European Union (EU) has just concluded a popularization and sensitization tour within the OKNP landscape to continue protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem in OKNP.
Welcoming the team to Samaya Town, the senior section chief Pa Alimamy Kolleh Kamara at the headquarters town of Lower Tambaka, in Karene District, said he is always happy to welcome NPAA in his section. Even though the road to Samaya is very challenging, the team taught it fit to meet with his people. He said he was pleased to receive the Authority and promised to work with NPAA to achieve its objectives.
Park Manager Magdalene Koroma explained the primary purpose of the gathering and stated that this meeting was to popularize the bylaws to protect the OKNP.
Explaining the importance of the bylaws, Dauda L. Bangura Esq, Law Enforcement Manager, said that today’s meeting is to popularize and sensitize them about the bylaws signed in June 2023, by their community leaders. He further explained to them bit by bit and line by line each of the bylaws and the fines attached to them if they go against it; he said that those fines collected would not be given to NPAA but to the community heads to use them in any developmental programs in their various areas, while promoting conservation in their localities. He encouraged them to protect the biodiversity of Outamba Kilimi National Park as there are plenty of benefits if they continue to protect it. He also emphasized the crucial role of the community leaders in enforcing these bylaws and ensuring the protection of the park.
The charlady, madam Balia Kamara, Youth Leader Abdulia Kamara, and various section chiefs made statements raising concerns about livelihood support for their communities. They stated that some communities around the Park need a secondary school, Health centre, or pure drinking water. Therefore, they will support NPAA in protecting the Park, but they requested help for those basic amenities. They also reported that wildlife is destroying their farms.
Chiefdom speaker Pa Ibrahim Yansaneh reiterated the importance of these meetings, emphasizing that they provide a platform for the community to voice their concerns and contribute to the decision-making process. He assured the community that their requests have been heard and will be considered by NPAA.
At the end of the meeting, Park Manager OKNP Magdalene Koroma expressed her gratitude to the communities for their commitment to the bylaws. She acknowledged their willingness to work with the laws put together by their leaders and NPAA, making them feel appreciated and recognized for their efforts.