The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, with support from the World Bank-funded Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), held a community engagement meeting with the people of Bureh Town to discuss ongoing tourism development project and the Tourism Community Development Fund Manual. The meeting formed part of the Ministry’s continued effort to promote inclusive and sustainable community-based tourism across Sierra Leone.
The Tourism Community Development Fund (TCDF) is a locally managed funding mechanism designed to channel tourism-generated revenues into community-led projects. Its main objective is to support inclusive and sustainable development by ensuring that communities directly benefit from tourism investments in their areas. At Bureh Beach, the Ministry, through SLEDP, is developing a Surf Club and other leisure facilities aimed at boosting local tourism and generating jobs and income for residents.
In her welcome statement, Headwoman of Bureh Village, Danielle Grace, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for bringing such a transformative project to their community. She reaffirmed the community’s commitment to fully support the initiative and collaborate with the Ministry in ensuring its successful implementation.
Presenting the Community Development Fund Manual, Prince Gaima, SLEDP Tourism Specialist, explained that the manual was developed by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank to serve as a guiding framework for managing community-based tourism resources. He emphasized that Bureh will be the first community to benefit from the Fund and assured that transparency and inclusion will guide the process. Gaima also noted that the community will receive five percent (5%) of the profits generated from the facility, and a local committee comprising community members will be established to oversee fund management.
The meeting concluded with discussions on the roles and responsibilities of the community towards the project and the key principles guiding the Fund; integrity, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration
The engagement highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that tourism serves as a catalyst for local economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in Bureh and other destination communities across Sierra Leone.
MTCA Communications.
