The Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), led by its Director, Ahmed Jalloh, paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and enhance the effective implementation of conservation initiatives across Sierra Leone.

The meeting, which brought together officials from both institutions, focused on identifying opportunities for closer cooperation in promoting conservation, environmental sustainability, and the protection of the country’s rich natural heritage.

Speaking during the engagement, Director Ahmed Jalloh highlighted the mandate of the Conservation Trust Fund and underscored the importance of working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to achieve shared conservation goals. He noted that the Fund continues to face several challenges in the execution of its mandate, including limited engagement with key stakeholder MDAs, overlaps in institutional functions, and the need for greater awareness and understanding of the Fund’s role and mandate among government institutions.

Mr Jalloh stressed that addressing these challenges would require stronger partnerships, improved coordination mechanisms, and more deliberate efforts to foster collaboration among institutions responsible for conservation, environmental management, tourism, and related sectors.

The discussions that followed allowed officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to provide valuable insights and recommendations aimed at improving inter-agency cooperation and ensuring greater efficiency in the implementation of conservation programmes.

Among the key action points agreed upon during the meeting were the strengthening and broadening of collaboration among stakeholder MDAs, enhancing policy coherence to address areas of overlapping mandates, and deepening engagement with the private sector to support conservation efforts through strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Senior Permanent Secretary expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering productive partnerships that contribute to sustainable tourism development and environmental conservation. The Senior Permanent Secretary emphasised that effective collaboration among institutions remains critical to achieving national development objectives and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s biodiversity and cultural assets for future generations.

The meeting was chaired by the Head of Public Affairs and Communications at MTCA, Emmanuel A.B. Turay, who commended the open and constructive dialogue between the two institutions. He noted that strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting policy alignment, and engaging non-state actors are essential steps toward building a more coordinated and impactful conservation sector.

The courtesy visit concluded with a shared commitment by both the Conservation Trust Fund and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to work together more closely in advancing conservation, promoting sustainable resource management, and ensuring that conservation initiatives contribute meaningfully to national development and community well-being.

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