“When we destroy our forests, we destroy our shield against floods” …Dr Ibrahim Bangura Says

Leader of the DIB Movement and APC Flagbearer Aspirant, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, led hundreds of Sierra Leoneans on the Environmental Awareness Walk 2026 from Regent Car Park to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, calling for urgent action to protect the country’s natural heritage.
Organised by Former Students of DIB, the walk created a relaxed, healthy, and environmentally friendly space for citizens to engage with Dr. Bangura. The event concluded with the planting of special tree species and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring all participants.

“When we destroy our forests, we destroy our shield against floods. When we pollute our rivers, we poison our children’s future. Protecting nature is not a choice. It is our duty,” Dr. Bangura said.

Addressing participants, he described environmental stewardship as a collective responsibility. “Every tree planted today is a hospital bed saved tomorrow. A clean environment means less malaria, less cholera, and less respiratory illness.”

Dr. Bangura aligned the DIB campaign with the World Environment Day 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” outlining three urgent pillars for Sierra Leone.

“Forests and wetlands are Sierra Leone’s natural air conditioners. Protecting them is the cheapest climate solution we have,” he stated under the first pillar, Inspired by Nature.

“We must act now to keep global warming below 1.5°C. That starts with every Sierra Leonean planting, protecting, and preserving,” he said on the second pillar, For Climate.

“Our children will not inherit our politics. They will inherit our environment. Let us leave them green, not bare,” he added on the third pillar, For Our Future.

He stressed that environmental protection is directly tied to national prosperity. “A degraded environment means poor harvests, water shortages, and higher health costs. A restored environment means food security, clean water, and economic growth.”

Dr. Bangura called on individuals, businesses, and government to make sustainable choices in energy, food production, and industry. “Let us work together in building a greener and more climate-resilient nation,” he concluded.