NPAA Patrols Outamba Kilimi National Parkt To Protect Its Biodiversity
The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) through the Outamaba Kilimi- Kuru Hills-Penselli- Soyah (OKKPS) project supported by European Union, in collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Police Force (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) have conducted a law enforcement routine surveillance and patrol across the Outamba Kilimi National Park (OKNP) to stop all illegal activities in the Park from the 16- 20 September 2024.
The Park Manager Magdalene Koroma, alongside the project implementation team, supported by the security sector visited the following areas around the Otamba kilimi National Park, Yembere, Gberian, Missira, Moria and Kabba Headquarter around the Tambaka Chiefdom.
During the patrols, the team met with traditional authorities, in the various communities. The park manager, Magdalene Koroma thanked all for helping the NPAA to protect the park and further encourage them to report any illegal activities going on within the park.
The community Stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction at the way the Guineans are entering their community and doing illegal activities, especially with the way they are doing poaching and lodging.
Other communities expressed thanks and appreciation to the Authority for such continuous visits and promised to work together with the NPAA to ensure the park is protected.
Statements were made by the Law enforcement Officer, representative of the SLP and other stakeholders of Karene District.
Since the OKNP is located within the borders of Sierra Leone and Guinea, it is recommended that continuous patrols be done in order to monitor the Guinean interference in the landscape.
The Law Enforcement Team will continue its work to drastically reduce all illegal activities within the landscape, while ensuring the sustainable management of the OKNP, as directed by the Hon. Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the Executive Director of NPAA.
