National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2021

SIERRA LEONE GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN20 21 P h o to : To m m y Tr e n c h ar d , U N E P Acknowledgements This initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is a product of an intense and complex process of literature review, consultations and compilation of information. The process has involved stakeholders from Ministries, departments, agencies, civil society groups, community members, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders. The Government of Sierra Leone is grateful for all contributions to the development of this plan. Heartfelt appreciation goes to the consultant and technical team tasked to develop this NAP. The Government appreciates the financial and technical support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the joint UNDP-UN Environment’s National Adaptation Plan Global Support Programme (NAP-GSP) and other development partners. Further gratitude goes to the Ministry of the Environment for the political will and technical support that made the development of this NAP possible. Finally, we express our appreciation to all individuals and institutions who continue to take climate change action in Sierra Leone. We hope that the strategies laid out in this NAP process build Sierra Leone’s resilience to the impact of climate change. GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 2 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Climate change has adverse impacts on Sierra Leone’s economic development and poses a fundamental threat to the realization of the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2019-2023. The country’s economy is highly dependent on natural resources and fragile ecosystems and is already experiencing erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures leading to seasonal and flash floods water shortages low crop yield and mudslides and will continue to have adverse impacts on sustainable livelihoods and assets of vulnerable communities. The Government of Sierra Leone recognizes the threats posed by climate change and has taken necessary steps and actions to minimize the potential for further damage. This initial National Adaptation Plan (iNAP) marks yet another landmark in our efforts to address the country’s vulnerability and resilience to climate change. With the launch of the NAP process in 2018, Sierra Leone has undertaken several steps to push the NAP process forward. Starting with the development of the NAP framework in 2019 which provided insights for the formulation and implementation of the NAP, The NAP communication strategy and now the initial NAP. These actions demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation by reducing vulnerability through integrating adaptation considerations into all relevant plans, policies and strategies and aligning long-term national development priorities with the SDG framework. This iNAP has been developed by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Environment Protection Agency with strong collaboration with the Sierra Leone meteorological agency and a broad-based consultative process and participation of other relevant stakeholders and the private sector under the supervision of the ministry of the environment. The iNAP responds to the overall objectives of the UNFCCC’s National Adaptation Plan Guidelines for reducing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by building adaptive capacity and resilience of the country and facilitating the integration of climate change adaptation into relevant existing and new policies, programmes and activities. The country’s iNAP also gives guidance and provides information on actions to reduce climate change vulnerability regarding water resources, agriculture and food security, public health, coastal zones, and communities across the country. The range of adaptation options has been well-defined through systemic and bottom-up national-level consultative processes. What the process itself has been a significant achievement in raising awareness, building technical and institutional capacities, and integrating adaptation concerns into national development dialogues. This document is an integral part of the components of the updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) of the country for the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement. It will further help identify and address key adaptation issues, gaps, priorities, and resource requirements for more effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of adaptation in support of the NDCs and the Paris Agreement. The government of Sierra Leone has begun to integrate climate change adaptation measures into national development processes, strategies, climate-smart policies, programmes, and budgeting. It will, therefore, facilitate the integration process of climate change adaptation measures at different levels, as appropriate. FOREWORD 3 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN The preparation of this iNAP is consistent with the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan, and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023) which includes a cluster on addressing vulnerabilities and building resilience. The iNAP covers five priority sectors of Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Energy, Coastal Zone Management, Environment, and Disaster Management, and two identified cross cutting priorities of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion and, Hard and Soft Infrastructure. This document can therefore provide an opportunity to catalyze both national and international funding for the implementation of climate change adaptation strategies and actions. As a nation, we strongly believe that through effective implementation of this iNAP, Sierra Leone will reduce its vulnerability by half by 2030 through increased risk awareness, improved regulatory compliance, increased institutional capacity, and an integrated approach to addressing adaptation in development policy and programs across climate-sensitive sectors and scales. Finally, I wish to implore all relevant stakeholders to work together and implement this initial adaptation plan to achieve its objectives in reducing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in the country. Prof. Foday Morida Jaward, PhD MINISTER MINISTRY OF THE ENVIORNMENT SIERRA LEONE WEST AFRICA 4 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................8 CHAPTER 1 .......................................................................................................................................................10 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................10 1.1 NAP vision ............................................................................................................................................10 1.2 NAP mandate ......................................................................................................................................10 1.3 NAP process in Sierra Leone ...........................................................................................................10 1.4 Functions ............................................................................................................................................. 12 1.5 Guiding principles .............................................................................................................................. 12 1.6 Goals .................................................................................................................................................... 12 1.7 Overview of the NAP ......................................................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 National circumstances ................................................................................................................................ 14 2.1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 14 2.2 Geography .......................................................................................................................................... 14 2.3 Socio-economic context ................................................................................................................ 16 2.4 Urbanization and infrastructure ..................................................................................................... 17 2.5 Gender issues ..................................................................................................................................... 17 2.6 Environmental issues ........................................................................................................................18 CHAPTER 3 ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 Climate impacts, vulnerabilities and risks ............................................................................................... 19 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 19 3.2 General climate characteristics ...................................................................................................... 21 3.3. Historical observations to assess variability, trends and extremes ........................................ 21 3.4 Climate change overview: projected changes of key climate characteristics .....................23 3.5. Current and future sectoral vulnerabilities .................................................................................27 3.6 Vulnerability assessments ................................................................................................................ 31 3.7 Vulnerability and climate data opportunities, challenges and needs .....................................32 CHAPTER 4 .......................................................................................................................................................35 Adaptation related policies, plans and programmes ............................................................................35 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................35 4.2 Climate change adaptation plans and policies ...........................................................................35 4.3 Other relevant documents and policies .......................................................................................38 4.4 Climate change adaptation projects and programmes ........................................................... 40 4.5 Policy opportunities, challenges and needs ................................................................................43 5 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN CHAPTER 5 .......................................................................................................................................................45 Priority adaptation actions ..........................................................................................................................45 5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................45 5.2 Key Government stakeholders by priority ....................................................................................47 5.3 Priority adaptation programmes ................................................................................................... 48 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type ....................................................................... 49 5.5 Sector needs and opportunities .....................................................................................................56 CHAPTER 6 ......................................................................................................................................................57 Institutional arrangements for the NAP process ...................................................................................57 6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................57 6.2 Linking NAP priorities to the Medium-term National Development Plan.............................57 6.3 Linking NAP to sector and local planning ....................................................................................59 6.4 NAP entry points at each stage of the policy process ............................................................. 60 6.5 Non-governmental stakeholders and their roles .......................................................................61 6.6 Institutional framework coordination mechanisms...................................................................61 6.7 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 66 CHAPTER 7 .......................................................................................................................................................67 Next steps .........................................................................................................................................................67 7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................67 7.2 NAP process roadmap ......................................................................................................................67 7.3 Implementation strategy: actions and needs ............................................................................. 68 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................35 ANNEX 1: Stakeholder Consultation and Reviewer List ..........................................................................73 ANNEX 2: Priority sector SWOT analysis ....................................................................................................75 6 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE List of figures Figure 1: Map of Sierra Leone .................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 2: Normal precipitation and temperature for Sierra Leone (1981-2010) .......................... 20 Figure 3: Monthly climatology of both precipitation and temperature for 4 provinces ........... 20 Figure 4: Annual temperature anomalies (C) for Sierra Leone (1950-2019) in relation to the 1961-1990 mean, calculated from the Climate Research Unit CRU.CY.4.04 dataset .................................................................................................................. 21 Figure 5: Annual temperature anomalies (C) for Sierra Leone (1950-2019) in relation to the 1981-2010 mean, calculated from the Climatic Research Unit CRU.CY.4.04 dataset .................................................................................................................. 21 Figure 6: Regional timeseries of climate indices for Sierra Leone 1981-2029 in relation to the 1981 -2010 mean. ..........................................................................................................22 Figure 7: Map of deadliest and most costly weather, water and climate related hazards for each country .........................................................................................................23 Figure 8: Mean temperature change (C) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 1971 – 2000 for the medium emissions scenario (RCP 4.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa ..................................................................24 Figure 9: Mean temperature change (C) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 1971 – 2000 for the high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa ..................................................................24 Figure 10: Precipitation (annual mean) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 1971 – 2000 for the low emissions scenario (RCP 2.6). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa ..................................................................25 Figure 11: Precipitation (annual mean) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 1971 – 2000 for the moderate emissions scenario (RCP 4.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa ..................................................................26 Figure 12: Precipitation (annual mean) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 1971 – 2000 for the high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa ..................................................................26 Figure 13: Map of the proportion of households in each of the five quintiles of vulnerability, defined over the total sample of households ..............................................32 Figure 14: NAP process linkages to sector planning processes..........................................................59 Figure 15: NAP process implementation arrangements .......................................................................62 7 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN ACDI VOCA Agricultural Cooperative Development International/ Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) AfDB African Development Bank AR5 Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC AR6 Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC CBA Cost benefit analysis CCCAP Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Plan CIFOR Centre for International Forestry Research COOP Cooperazione Internazionale CSO Cvil society organizations DMA Disaster Management Agency DMD Disaster Management Department DRR Disaster risk reduction FAO United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization FDI Foreign direct investment GCF Green Climate Fund GEF Global Environment Facility GCM General circulation model GoSL Government of Sierra Leone IC Inter-ministerial Committee (for NAP process) ICT Information and communications technology ICZMP Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development IFC International Finance Corporation INC Initial National Communication (to the UNFCCC) IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ITCZ Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone LCCRDS Low-Carbon Climate-Resilient Development Strategy LDC Least developed country LDN Land degradation neutrality LEG UNFCCC Least Developed Countries Expert Group M&E Monitoring and evaluation MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MCA Multi-criteria analysis MDA Multilateral Development Agency MTNDP Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023) NAP National Adaptation Plan NAPA National Adaptation Programme of Action NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NCCPF National Climate Change Policy Framework NCCSAP National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan NDC Nationally Determined Contribution NDMC National DMD Council NEAP National Environmental Action Plan NEP National Environmental Policy NFCS National Framework for Climate Services NSC National Steering Committee (for NAP process) NWRMA National Water Resources Management agency OGSES Off-grid Solar Energy Strategy OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries PC Parliamentary Committee (for NAP process) PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper REDD Reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation SDG Sustainable development goals SFDRR Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction EPA-SL- Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone SL-MET Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency SNC Second National Communication (to the UNFCCC) SWOT Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats TNC Third National Communication (to the UNFCCC) UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNOPS The United Nations Office for Project Services USAID United States Agency for International Development V&A Vulnerability and adaptation WMO World Meteorological Organization WA BiCC The West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Program WHH Welthungerhilfe Acronyms 8 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE This document serves as Sierra Leone’s initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP) submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The NAP process was established under the UNFCCC in 2010 as part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework. The process enables Parties to the UNFCCC to formulate and implement NAPs as a means of identifying medium- and long-term adaptation needs and for developing and implementing strategies and programmes to address those needs. The NAP is a continuous, progressive, and iterative process that follows a country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory, and fully transparent approach. The objectives of the NAP process are: • To reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by building adaptive capacity and resilience; and • To facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation, in a coherent manner, into relevant new and existing policies, programs and activities, in particular development planning processes and strategies, within all relevant sectors and at different levels, as appropriate. The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) views its NAP as a process to ensure a systematic and strategic approach to climate change adaptation in all government decision making, which will facilitate institutional coordination, resource mobilization, technology transfer and, ultimately, effective adaptation actions. This document is, therefore, a step forward in building a more resilient Sierra Leone. Ultimately, the NAP vision is to reduce vulnerability by half by 2030 through increased risk awareness, improvements in rule compliance, increased institutional capacity and an integrated gender-responsive approach to adaptation in development policies and programmes across sectors and scales. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Photo: Caroline Thomas, UNEP 9 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Five priority sectors and two cross-cutting priorities were identified during the NAP’s development. These priorities are the central pillars used to guide the document and are directly connected to the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023). They are: Drawing on existing climate policies, the NAP develops programmes across these priorities that can be implemented using additional resources. Additionally, it provides an institutional framework for the NAP process moving forward, as well as ways in which the NAP can be integrated into the MTNDP process. Finally, the NAP provides recommendations for next steps moving forward. It is expected that this Initial NAP will pave the way for the formulation of a full NAP, which is expected to be completed in 2023. NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 1. agriculture and food security 2. water resources and energy 3. coastal zone management 4. environment 5. disaster management 6. gender equality and social inclusion 7. hard and soft infrastructure Photo: Tommy Trenchard, UNEP 10 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONEGOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 1.1 NAP vision Sierra Leone reduces vulnerability by half by 2030 through increased risk awareness, improvements in rule compliance, increased institutional capacity and an integrated gender-responsive approach to adaptation in development policy and programmes across sectors and scales. 1.2 NAP mandate The mandate for Sierra Leone’s NAP is grounded in its National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (NCCSAP) and its latest Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023), which includes a cluster on addressing vulnerabilities and building resilience. The NAP builds on these existing policies and supports their implementation. Additionally, the NAP is aligned with the National Climate Change Policy Framework (NCCPF, 2012), the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC, 2021), National Communications to the UNFCCC and National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). The NAP process supports the implementation of these policies and the forthcoming updated NDC. 1.3 NAP process in Sierra Leone The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) views its NAP as a continuous, progressive and iterative process to ensure a systematic and strategic approach to climate change adaptation in all government decision making. This will facilitate institutional coordination, resource mobilization, technology transfer and, ultimately, effective adaptation actions (GoSL, 2019). The GoSL officially launched its NAP process in 2018. Representatives of the government attended the training workshop on NAP formulation organized by the UNFCCC Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) in Nairobi. Following this, the country developed a NAP framework in January 2019 and a climate change communications strategy under the Introduction C H A P T E R 1 Photo: Caroline Thomas, UNEP 11 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN NAP in 2020. This initial NAP continues the process of developing the institutional framework for medium- and long-term adaptation planning. In summer 2020, the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) and the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SL-MET) convened several meetings to discuss the NAP, its process and priorities. In October 2020, an inception workshop with representatives from the national and subnational government, private sector and civil society across all identified priorities was held. This workshop raised awareness about the NAP process, engaged key stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process and collected relevant data to inform the initial NAP. During the workshop, stakeholders discussed all the key elements that are integrated into this document. This convening, along with subsequent consultations, and a policy and literature review, has informed the development of the initial NAP as a collaborative planning process. The initial NAP draft was shared with internal and external stakeholders for comment, input and feedback. Following this, a validation workshop was held in April 2021 to finalize the NAP and integrate further comments. A list of all those consulted throughout this process and the organizations that reviewed the document are included in Annex 1. The NAP process helps the GoSL to further identify and address key adaptation issues, gaps, priorities and resource requirements for more effective planning, implementation and monitoring of adaptation in support of the NDCs and the Paris Agreement. Sierra Leone recognizes that establishing synergies and linkages between the NAP and those other key processes is essential to: • contributing to achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation by reducing vulnerability through integrating adaptation considerations into all relevant plans, policies, and strategies, and prioritizing and planning for adaptation; • ensuring that the adaptation component of the NDCs becomes a strategic and ambitious vehicle for capturing, reporting and updating commitments and progress; and • aligning long-term national development priorities with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework. Through the process to develop this NAP, five priority sectors and two cross-cutting priorities were identified. These are central pillars that are used to guide the document and are directly connected to the MTNDP. They are: 1. agriculture and food security 2. water resources and energy 3. coastal zone management (including fisheries, coastal ecosystems etc.) 4. environment (including tourism, land, mineral resources, forestry, etc.) 5. disaster management 6. cross-cutting priority 1: gender equality and social inclusion (focusing on youth, women, elderly and persons with disabilities) 7. cross-cutting priority 2: hard and soft infrastructure (including health, water and sanitation, transportation etc.) NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 12 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 1.4 Functions The initial NAP includes a stock take of adaptation priorities, vulnerabilities and measures across identified priority sectors. The functions of this are to: • support the development of vulnerability assessments that inform new policies, projects and programmes, and guide monitoring and learning; • effectively communicate adaptation priorities and ambitions for the country; • guide investments in climate change adaptation for the short- and long-term; • provide guidance for stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships for climate change adaptation across sectors; • identify entry points for information gathering, analysis, and dissemination; • serve as a basis for resource mobilization; and • support mainstreaming of gender equality and social inclusion. 1.5 Guiding principles The guiding principles of the NAP are: • Inclusivity (ownership and shared responsibility). The NAP process will be inclusive in its process and implementation, while considering the needs of all stakeholders, in order to foster collaboration, coordination and networking during the NAP process and climate change adaptation initiatives; • Participation. Development and implementation will include participation of state and non-state stakeholders including vulnerable groups; • Data generation. The NAP process will be part of a data collection effort incorporating the best available information into planning; • Transparency. Decision-making processes, development and implementation will be open to the public; • Accountability. Development and implementation will be guided transparently and by systems that allow the continual assessment of practice and performance; • Learning/reflexivity. The NAP will build capacity for reflecting on national adaptation actions to foster engagement in a process of continuous policy and community learning; • Adaptability. This NAP is the first step in a continuous process of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. It should be revised in consultation with all stakeholders as new climate, vulnerability and socioeconomic information, implementation lessons and best practices arise; • Religious and cultural leadership. The NAP will support activities that build climate-relevant religious and cultural knowledge; this will help leverage positive influences of religion and culture in roles local leaders play in achieving climate change adaptation outcomes at local level; • Ethical citizenship. NAP implementation is likely to be improved with increased public awareness and citizen buy-in; how do individuals conceive their rights and responsibilities and the implications of their assumptions in a changing climate; 13 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN • Integrate gender equality and social inclusion in the NAP objectives and in its prioritized actions. This will promote an inclusive environment by ensuring institutions promote gender equality and equal opportunity for women, children and persons with disabilities; and • Capacity development. Achieving NAP goals will require strengthening human, financial, and technical capacities among all relevant stakeholders and institutions. 1.6 Goals The NAP goals are to: • increase resilience capacity at all levels • support an integrated approach to climate change adaptation programming and policymaking • allocate 10 percent of the annual national budget to climate change adaptation across sectors • harmonize climate-relevant policies and regulations to improve coordination and cross-sector linkages • mainstream adaptation within all local councils local development plans by 2025 • institutionalize NAP implementation through laws, policies, and regulations • establish a national trust fund for channelling adaptation support across sectors • direct 40 percent of international development funding toward adaptation priorities across different sectors 1.7 Overview of the NAP The plan includes eight chapters. Chapter 2 describes the national circumstances in Sierra Leone to provide a background in understanding how climate risks interact with the existing development context. Chapter 3 provides the climate science basis to inform adaptation planning in Sierra Leone, including impacts and vulnerabilities on priority sectors. Chapter 4 presents the existing climate policy landscape, and policies and plans that are related to the NAP. Chapter 5 analyzes existing adaptation priorities in Sierra Leone’s current policies. Chapter 6 provides the institutional arrangements for the NAP including the links between the NAP and the MTNDP, the process to integrate adaptation into development planning and the proposed coordination mechanisms. Chapter 7 presents the next steps in the NAP process including a timeline and implementation strategy. 14 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONEGOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 2.1. Introduction Climate vulnerability is a function of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity (McCarthy et al., 2001). Vulnerability to climate change is structured by economic, social, geographic, demographic, cultural, institutional, governance and environmental factors (IPCC, 2012). Multiple factors shape vulnerability to climate risk. These include social inequality, unequal access to resources, poverty, poor infrastructure, lack of representation, lack of social networks, and inadequate systems of social security, early warning, and planning (Yohe and Tol, 2002; Brooks, Adger and Kelly, 2005; Ribot, 2009). This chapter presents the underlying conditions that shape sensitivity and adaptive capacity, including the geography and the socio-economic context of the country. 2.2 Geography Sierra Leone is located in the south-western part of West Africa. It sits between latitudes 7N and 10N of the equator and between longitude 10W and 13W of the prime meridian. The country has a total area of 71,740 sq. km, divided into a land area of 71,620 sq. km and water of 120 sq. km. The country is divided into four main ecological regions: coastal mangroves, the wooded hill country, an upland plateau and the eastern mountains. Sierra Leone is divided into five administrative regions: the Northern Province, Northwest Province, Eastern Province, Southern Province and the Western Area. It is further subdivided into 16 districts. Freetown is the capital. Sierra Leone has high levels of biodiversity with lowland rainforests, mountain forests, freshwater swamps, coastal ecosystems and marine ecosystems. The coastline covers 506 km and includes sandy beaches, cliffs, lagoons, estuaries, mudflats, creeks, bays and mangrove swamps. According to the West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change program (WA BiCC, National circumstances C H A P T E R 2 Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 15 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 2019), there are about 105,200 ha of mangroves along this coastline. The eight major river systems include the Great Scarcies, Little Scarcies, Rokel/Seli, Bankasoka, Jong, Sewa, Moa and Mano. The highest peak on the Loma Mountains is Bintumani, which rises to 1945 m while Sankan Biriwa in the Tingi Hills rises to 805m (GoSL, 2015a). NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Source: (UN, 2014) Figure 1: map of Sierra Leone 16 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 2.3 Socio-economic context Sierra Leone has an unstable modern history marked by a civil war from 1991-2002 and the two-year Ebola crisis (2014-2016). These events and political instability have led to severe socio-economic repercussions and contributed to underlying vulnerabilities which persist today. It is one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa and globally, with a GDP per capita of US$499 in 2017. It ranked 182 out of 188 countries on the United Nations 2020 Human Development Index, below the average for countries with similar GDP per capita (UNDP, 2020a). The overall poverty rate in Sierra Leone is 57 percent, with 10.8 percent of the population living in extreme poverty (GoSL, 2019). 72.4 percent live in poverty in rural areas, while in Freetown, it sits at 18.5 percent. Poverty is spatial as the north is the poorest, followed by the south and the east. The Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA 2015) reported that 49 percent (3,475,135.37) of people in Sierra Leone are food insecure, of which the majority are poor smallholder farmers that are living in the rural areas of the country (GoSL, 2018). The population is approximately 7.4 million (2018). Its growth rate has increased rapidly from 1.8 percent between 1985 and 2004 to 3.2 percent between 2004 and 2015. This has led to a 40 percent increase from about 5 million in 2004 to more than 7 million today. At the current rate of growth, the population will reach 10 million people by 2026 (GoSL, 2019). 40 percent of Sierra Leone’s population are youth. There is high unemployment among low and semi-skilled youth, most of whom were unable to complete their education due to the civil war. Sierra Leone’s economy is small and undiversified. The country has a mixed economic system with prominent state enterprises and a private sector. The major sectors of the economy are minerals (diamonds, iron ore, rutile, bauxite), fisheries, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. The economy has grown since the end of the civil war, driven by agriculture and then mining. Two recent economic shocks - the Ebola epidemic and the collapse of iron ore commodity prices - lead to shrinking GDP growth. Since then, economic growth has fluctuated. Real GDP growth was weak in 2018 at 3.5 percent but improved slightly to an estimated 5.0 percent in 2019, driven by agriculture and services, and in the first half of 2019 by extractives (AfDB, 2019). Sierra Leone is especially vulnerable to external shocks. The country does not have any control over the price of its major imported goods, such as rice and fuel, which account for over 50 percent of total import value. Additionally, its dependence on primary commodity exports makes it more susceptible to global fluctuations in commodity prices. The African Development Bank (AfDB) projects that international iron ore prices are projected to decrease from $77.70 per dry metric ton in 2019 to $72.40 in 2022. This is more evidence for the need for economic diversification away from extractive industries (AfDB, 2019). Covid-19 has added additional shocks and GDP growth is expected to fall to 1.7 percent. This is primarily due to the decline in commodity prices and depressed trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, tourism revenue following travel restrictions and declines in remittances. Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, poverty reduction and improving public health. As a women-dominated sector, it employs more than half of the country’s formal and informal workforce and accounts for about half of GDP (GoSL, 2019). Although 75 percent of its land is arable, only about 10 percent is cultivated, mainly for food crops such as rice, cassava, yams and other root crops (GoSL, 2018). Farmers, however, have limited access to improved varieties of seeds, equipment and fertilizers. Additionally, farming is mostly rainfed, 17 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN making it more vulnerable to climate impacts (GoSL, 2018). Fishery activities which currently contribute about 10 percent of GDP, is a primary livelihood for 500,000 people and a main source of animal protein for over 80 percent of the population. Additionally, fish processing and marketing is a sector led primarily by women, similar to agriculture, making women’s work more climate sensitive (GoSL, 2018). 2.4 Urbanization and infrastructure According to the AfDB, Sierra Leone ranked 46 out of 54 countries on the Bank’s Africa Infrastructure Development Index in 2020. Significant infrastructure investment is needed across all sectors, including water and sanitation, health, energy, transport, and information and communications technology (ICT). The poor infrastructural landscape in Sierra Leone has had a tremendously negative impact on economic diversification, health and livelihoods. Infrastructure is a centerpiece of the MTNDP and key to Sierra Leone’s long-term development goals of becoming a middle-income country. Access to affordable and reliable electricity is essential for human development. Currently, this is severely limited in the country. Biomass from wood and charcoal is the source of energy for 80 percent of the population, with related significant environmental and public health impacts such as deforestation and respiratory illnesses. As Sierra Leone addresses its climate goals in an integrated way, renewable and reliable energy sources are an essential component. Many of the major causes of death and disability in Sierra Leone can be traced to challenges with environmental health and sanitation. Most of the country’s population obtain water from unsafe open water sources and waterborne diseases are common. Almost 30 percent of the rural population practice open defecation due to lack of sanitation facilities. Sanitation is far below the reasonable SDG target of 66 percent for the country and the budget allocation for the sector is less than .02 percent of GDP (GoSL, 2019). In Sierra Leone, urbanization has been accelerating since the civil war, compounding infrastructure issues. The urban population has almost doubled from 21 percent in 1967 to just under 40 percent in 2015. Freetown, which has grown to a population of more than 1 million, is rapidly increasing. From 2004 to 2015 the country’s population increased 43 percent from approximately 5 million to 7 million (Statistics, Sierra Leone, 2016). Urbanization has not been met with sufficient resources to manage this fast growth and cities have lacked the financing to make the necessary investments to cope with the accelerated demand for infrastructure and services. This increases climate-risk vulnerability for an already vulnerable population, especially those in informal settlements or working in the informal sector. 2.5 Gender issues Women are 51 percent of the population and suffer from gender inequality and discrimination. Sierra Leone stands historically in the bottom 10 of the Gender Development Index (UNDP, 2020b). Inequalities are apparent in terms of literacy rates, per capita GDP, access to land, and legal protection. Increased poverty among women in Sierra Leone results from a combination of factors, including limited skills and knowledge, unfriendly market structures that concentrate women in lower-paying work and restrict their access to capital and credit, traditional family structures perpetuating gender inequality through patriarchal norms of property ownership and inheritance, discrimination in the public domain, and weak and unequal trade and economic patterns (USAID, 2019). Over the past decade, the government has developed and enacted a range of national laws, policies, and strategies to address gender inequalities. This included the passage of the three 18 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE ‘gender justice’ laws, which address domestic violence, improve women’s access to land through inheritance, and strengthen women’s rights in marriage and divorce through a registration process. Several government entities have also been established to support gender equality including the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Human Rights Commission, the Family Support Unit in the Sierra Leone Police and the Legal Aid Board. This institutional development, however, has been insufficient. For example, women occupy less than 20 percent of elected positions although the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill, which establishes a minimum of 30 percent representation of women in governance at all levels. The MTNDP seeks to address this issue and includes empowering women as a key focus including supporting implementation of current legislation. 2.6 Environmental issues Unregulated development has intensified overexploitation of land and marine environments which has resulted in substantial environmental degradation, loss of habitat and biodiversity, air and water pollution and their related social and public health impacts. In 2017, the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) calculated that less than five percent of the country’s original cover in 1990 was still intact. This has continued to decrease at a rate of around 100,000 ha every year, mainly through large-scale and subsistence agriculture, commercial logging and logging for charcoal for energy (Office of the Chief Minister, GoSL, 2019). Mining operations have also contributed to the high rates of deforestation, land degradation and destruction of farmlands, inadequate availability of clean water, poor air quality and noise pollution (Mabey et al., 2020). There are 48 forest reserves and conservation areas in Sierra Leone, representing about 4 percent of the land area (180,250 ha), although most of them are inadequately protected and managed. Mangrove coverage in Sierra Leone is estimated to have decreased by approximately 25 percent since 1990 (WA BiCC, 2017). About 300,000 ha of wetlands and marine ecosystems are mangrove forests that are a critical source of livelihoods and ecological support along the coastal plains of the Western Area and other riverine areas across the country. Coastal ecosystems have been severely threatened by pollution, physical alteration and destruction of habitats, over-exploitation of resources, uncontrolled development, coastal erosion and climate change (EPA-SL, 2015). Environmental issues are due to a host of challenges, including a weak regulatory and legal framework, policy incoherence, conflicting government mandates, low management capacity, inadequate coordination, and limited public awareness and education, data, and finance. 19 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 3.1 Introduction This chapter provides the climate science basis to inform adaptation planning in Sierra Leone. The Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that Sierra Leone is among the most vulnerable African countries to the increasing frequency of climate change impacts and has been ranked third most vulnerable after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau. (GoSL, 2015a). Chapter 3 links the physical process of climate change and its impacts in order to understand how climate change will intersect with the existing development context presented in the previous chapter. The chapter is based on a review of currently available literature and analysis on climate phenomena and change in Sierra Leone. This review was supplemented by information provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Actions to improve the overall climate analysis during the 2021-2023 development of the NAP will include: • additional analysis on climate change processes and impacts affecting the agricultural sector, conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); • additional projections based on the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the IPCC, utilized to update the analysis. 3.2 General climate characteristics Temperature Sierra Leone’s climate is characterized as tropical. The rainy season runs from May to November with an average temperature of 22-25°C. The dry season is from December to May with temperatures reaching 25-27°C, accompanied by dry, cool winds from the Sahara Desert. Humidity during the rainy season can reach 93 percent. It decreases inland to about GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Climate impacts, vulnerabilities and risks C H A P T E R 3 Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 20 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 47 percent as the rainfall declines. There is little variation in the day length due to the country’s proximity to the equator. It should be noted that prior to 2005, there were no automatic weather stations for the collection of data in Sierra Leone, although standard meteorological data was collected. Precipitation The rainy season is largely controlled by the movement of the tropical rain belt, also called the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which oscillates between the northern and southern tropics over the course of a year. During this period, the average rainfall is 2,746 mm. Rainfall is highest along the coast, reaching 3,000 mm to 5,000 mm per year. Decreasing as it moves inland, it reaches 2,000 mm – 2,500 mm on the eastern border of the country (GoSL, 2018). Average monthly rainfall peaks in July and August with an average of 27 rainy days (GoSL, 2018). Weather stations were vandalized during the civil conflict, creating huge gaps in the precipitation record. There have been cases of water scarcity due to the delayed onset of the monsoon rains, and when the heavy rain has arrived, there has been extensive flooding (UNDP, 2012). 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Te m pe ra tu re (C ) P re ci pi ta tio n (m m /m on th ) Sierra Leone (Mean 1981-2010) Precipitation Temperature Figure 2: Normal precipitation and temperature for Sierra Leone (1981-2010). Figure 3: Monthly climatology of both precipitation and temperature for 4 provinces. Data from Climatic Research Unit CRU.CY.4.04 dataset (Harris et al., 2020) Source: SL-MET, 2021 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 770 660 550 440 330 220 110 0 Eastern (Period 1991 - 2020) Precipitation Tmax Tmin P re ci p it at io n ( m m ) T e m p e ra tu re ( °C ) month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 770 660 550 440 330 220 110 0 Northern (Period 1991 - 2020) Precipitation Tmax Tmin P re ci p it at io n ( m m ) T e m p e ra tu re ( °C ) month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 770 660 550 440 330 220 110 0 Western (Period 1991 - 2020) Precipitation Tmax Tmin P re ci p it at io n ( m m ) T e m p e ra tu re ( °C ) month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 770 660 550 440 330 220 110 0 Southern (Period 1991 - 2020) Precipitation Tmax Tmin P re ci p it at io n ( m m ) T e m p e ra tu re ( °C ) month 21 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Figure 4: Annual temperature anomalies (C) for Sierra Leone (1950-2019) in relation to the 1961-1990 mean, calculated from the Climate Research Unit CRU.CY.4.04 dataset. Figure 5: Annual temperature anomalies (C) for Sierra Leone (1950-2019) in relation to the 1981- 2010 mean, calculated from the Climatic Research Unit CRU.CY.4.04 dataset (Harris et al., 2020). Harris et al., 2020 Harris et al., 2020 3.3. Historical observations to assess variability, trends and extremes Temperature Mean temperature in Sierra Leone has been above normal in recent decades (figures 4 and 5). A signal of warming in Sierra Leone is found in relation to base periods 1961-1990 and 1981-2010. Overall warming of the country is more evident when anomalies are calculated using 1961-1990 as a base period, with increasing positive anomalies since the late 1980s. On the other hand, when anomalies are calculated using the base period 1981-2010, constant warming is observed in at least the last two decades. Based on the European reanalysis (ERA5; C3S, 2017), using 98 ERA5 daily temperature grid points over Sierra Leone, climate change indices and sector-specific climate indices reveal how climate change has impacted temperature in recent years at country level. Climate indices (figure 6) have been produced with Climpact3 - a software that allows calculation of climate indices from daily precipitation and temperature data (Alexander and Herold, 2015). Between base period 1981-2019 (in relation to base period 1981-2010), evidence is found of a decrease in the diurnal temperature range (i.e. the difference between maximum and minimum temperature is decreasing). In addition, the annual percentage of cold nights (Tx10p, days when Tn < 10th percentile) versus cold days (Tx10p, days when Tx < 10th percentile) presents a decreasing trend for the last 40 years (figure 6; a,b,c). On the other hand, for the same period, increasing trends are evident in the frequency of days, with maximum temperatures above the median (Txgt50p) as they are in the indices of warm nights (Tn90p, days when Tn > 90th percentile) and warm days (Tx90p, days when Tx > 90th -1 -0.8 -06 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Te m pe ra tu r a no m al y (C ) Sierra Leone (Base: 1961 - 1990) 19 50 19 52 19 54 19 56 19 58 19 60 19 62 19 64 19 66 19 68 19 70 19 72 19 74 19 76 19 78 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 86 19 88 19 90 19 92 19 94 19 96 19 98 20 00 20 02 20 04 20 06 20 08 20 10 20 12 20 14 20 16 20 18 Te m pe ra tu r a no m al y (C ) -1 -0.8 -06 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Sierra Leone (Base: 1981 - 2010) 19 50 19 52 19 54 19 56 19 58 19 60 19 62 19 64 19 66 19 68 19 70 19 72 19 74 19 76 19 78 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 86 19 88 19 90 19 92 19 94 19 96 19 98 20 00 20 02 20 04 20 06 20 08 20 10 20 12 20 14 20 16 20 18 22 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE percentile), (figure 6; d, e, f). These changes are found in all temperatures - the annual mean, daily mean, the annual coldest daily minimum and the annual warmest daily temperature (figure 6; g, h, i). It is important to note that, other than general trends detected, inter-annual variability exists in the background of these climate changes, making it imperative to develop adaptation strategies for both positive and negative anomalies. Precipitation Assessment of long-term (1960-2003) rainfall conditions (McSweeney et al., 2010), demonstrates changes in rainfall patterns with average annual rainfall decreasing since 1960. There are, however, year to year fluctuations, with rotating periods of wetter and drier conditions. The 1960s and late 1970s were particularly wet, while the early 1970s and 1980s were very dry. In 2005 and 2006, rainfall was low. There are also seasonal precipitation changes. From September to November, there is now calmer and dryer weather where previously the period was characterized by frequent thunderstorms and short, heavy rainfall (GoSL, 2018). However, year to year variations could also result in heavy precipitation events. For example, most of west tropical Africa was affected by floods due to above normal precipitation during some months of the year (WMO, 2020). Figure 6: Figure 6: Regional timeseries of climate indices for Sierra Leone 1981-2029 in relation to the 1981 -2010 mean. From left to right: (a) DTR (-); (b) Tn10p (-); (c) Tx10p (-); (d) Txgt50p (+); (e) Tn90p (+); (f) Tx90p (+); (g) Tmm (+); (h) Tnn (+); (i) Txx (+) where (+/-) denote (positive/ negative) trends. Vazquez-Aguirre et al., 2021 Sierra Leone regional time-series dtr 7.8 7.6 7.4 7.2 7.0 6.8 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Mean annual difference between daily TX and daily TN“ Sierra Leone regional time-series tn 10p 20 15 10 5 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual percentage of days when TN < 10th percentile“ Sierra Leone regional time-series tx10p 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual percentage of days when TX < 10th percentile“ Sierra Leone regional time-series txgt50p 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual percentage of days when TX < 50th percentile“ Sierra Leone regional time-series tn90p 30 25 20 15 10 5 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual percentage of days when TX < 10th percentile“ Sierra Leone regional time-series tmm 26.8 26.6 26.4 26.2 26.0 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual mean daily mean temperature“ Sierra Leone regional time-series tnn 20,5 20.0 19.5 19.0 18.5 18.0 17.5 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual coldest daily TN“ Sierra Leone regional time-series txx 38,0 37.5 37.0 36.5 36.0 35.5 35.0 34.5 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual warmest daily Tx“ Sierra Leone regional time-series tx90p 25 20 15 10 5 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 time Description: , “Annual percentage of days when TX < 90th percentile“ 23 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Extreme events Sierra Leone has been experiencing strong winds, thunderstorms, landslides, heat waves, floods and seasonal drought (GoSL, 2018). The pre-monsoon period (April-June) has stronger winds and more frequent rainstorms. Extreme weather-induced floods accounted for 90 percent of people affected by disaster in Sierra Leone (GoSL, 2018). From 1980 to 2010, floods affected 221,204 people, killing 145. This represents about 11 percent of people killed by disaster in the country (GoSL, 2018). While the whole country is vulnerable, the most heavily affected areas during recent years include: Kroo Bay, Susan’s Bay, Granville Brook, Lumley area in Western Area, Port Loko and Kambia Districts, the Newton catchment area, Pujehun and Bo areas, Kenema and Moyamba Districts and the coastal beaches of the Western Area Peninsular (UNDP, 2012). More recently, in August 2017, flooding and mudslides in Freetown killed more than 500 people. Figure 7: Map of deadliest and most costly weather, water and climate-related hazards for each country (Source: WMO analysis of 1970-2019 data from the Emergency Events Database of the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, CRED). Source: WMO analysis of 1970-2019 data from the Emergency Events Database of the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, CRED) 3.4 Climate change overview: projected changes of key climate characteristics Temperature Various general circulation models (GCMs) have been used to develop climate change scenarios for Sierra Leone. The climate models (HADCM2, UKTR, CSIRO, ECHAM and UKMOEQ) indicate a steady increase in temperature with little inter-model variance. There is an estimated 1°C - 2.5°C increase in average temperatures by 2060, with more rapid warming inland (USAID, 2016). The models predict an increase in temperature of about 5°C by 2100 (GoSL, 2018). Specifically for Freetown, there is a median change of 0.61°C from 2011-2040 compared to 1981-2010 (RCP 4.5). For the time period 2011–2040 compared to 1981–2010 (RCP 4.5), the monthly mean change lies between 0.26°C and 1.3°C (SMHI, 2021). 24 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE For the near-term future (2011-2040), climate indicators (SMHI, 2021), derived from the ensemble mean of bias-corrected models in CORDEX Africa, indicate that temperature in Sierra Leone, relative to the recent past (1971 – 2000), will increase in at least 1°C (medium emissions, RCP 4.5, figure 8) and up to 1.5 C (high emissions, RCP 8.5, figure 9) in the near future (2011 - 2040). The northern half of the country will have the highest increase in temperature in both cases. Figure 8: Mean temperature change (C) for Sierra Leone for 2011-2040 compared to reference period 1971-2000 for the medium emissions scenario (RCP 4.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa (SMHI, 2021). Figure 9: Mean temperature change (C) for Sierra Leone for 2011-2040 compared to reference period 1971-2000 for the high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa (SMHI 2021). SMHI, 2021 SMHI, 2021 25 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Precipitation According to an analysis by McSweeney et al., (2010) using various GCMs, by the 2090s, rainfall in July, August and September is projected to change by -27 percent to +29 percent and by -19 percent to +33 percent in October, November and December. The proportion of total annual rainfall that falls in heavy events is projected to increase. Seasonally, this varies between tendencies to decrease in January, February, March and to increase in July to December. Precipitation projections from the ensemble mean of bias-corrected models in CORDEX Africa, indicate for the near-term future (2011-2040) and the entirety of Sierra Leone, a potential increase (up to 10 percent) in annual total precipitation, regardless of the emissions scenario (SMHI, 2021, figures 10, 11 and 12 below). However, increments in annual total precipitation do not necessarily mean that more precipitation is expected to occur constantly, but rather in the form of exacerbated extreme weather. Hence, urgent implementation or enhancement of weather and climate observation networks is needed, which will enable monitoring, prediction and assessment of extreme events. This will, in turn, feed climate actions. Figure 10: Precipitation (annual mean) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 197-2000 for the low emissions scenario (RCP 2.6). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa (SMHI, 2021). SMHI, 2021 26 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Figure 11: Precipitation (annual mean) for Sierra Leone for 2011-2040 compared to reference period 1971-2000 for the moderate emissions scenario (RCP 4.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa (SMHI, 2021). Figure 12: Precipitation (annual mean) for Sierra Leone for 2011 – 2040 compared to reference period 1971 – 2000 for the high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). Model ensemble median from CORDEX Africa (SMHI, 2021). SMHI, 2021 SMHI, 2021 27 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Table 1: Projected precipitation and temperature changes under different scenarios Extreme events It is likely that climate change will magnify the intensity and frequency of natural disasters in the country. Climate variability and climate change-induced extreme weather events will continue to affect the incidence of existing socio-natural hazards. All projections indicate substantial increases in the frequency of days and nights that are considered hot in the current climate. Annual projections indicate that hot days will occur on 26-63 percent of days by the 2060s, and 37-84 percent of days by the 2090s, with these increases being more rapid along the coast than inland (McSweeney et al., 2010). Additionally, the proportion of annual heavy rainfall is projected to increase, especially from July to December. This increase, coupled with alternating periods of wet and dry years, is likely to increase the occurrence of extreme weather events. Sea level rise Sierra Leone does not yet have a fully functional marine meteorological station, which is vital for sea level assessment. It is generally accepted that it is rising and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. The IPCC suggests that the rise between the present (1980-99) and the end of this century (2090-99) will be about 0.35m (0.21-0.48m) for the A1B scenario and 0.26-0.59m for the A1F1 scenario (IPCC, 2007). 3.5. Current and future sectoral vulnerabilities The United Nations identifies Sierra Leone as one of the 46 least developed countries (LDCs). Its economic and social development factor poses a major challenge to development, making the country vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Efforts to improve the quality of life of its people have been hampered by extreme poverty, structural weakness in the economy, civil conflict, the Ebola disease outbreak of 2014 and the lack of capacity related to growth and development. All these are further aggravated by the negative impacts of climate change. The Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index ranked Sierra Leone 151 out of 181 countries in terms of vulnerability to climate change with high vulnerability and low readiness (ND-GAIN, 2018). A study has found that the mortality from multiple climate-induced hazards is high and getting worse as exposure is expected to increase (World Bank, 2017). The coast is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of the extent of mangrove forest loss, exposure of the coastal populace to the effects of sea-level rise and winds, and high poverty levels (WA BiCC, 2019). This section provides current and potential climate vulnerabilities and impacts for all the priority sectors identified by the GoSL for the NAP process. Much of the information is based on the Third National Communication (to the IPCCC) (TNC, 2018). As part of this effort, vulnerability and adaptation assessments were undertaken for agriculture, water resources, Country/Region Scenarios RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5 2021-2050 2051-2080 2021-2050 2051-2080 Mean range Mean range Mean range Mean range Precipitation -5% to 5% -20% to 30% -5% to 10% -30% to 30% -5% to 10% -20% to 30% 0% to 10% -20% to 40% Temperature 1°C to 1.8°C 0.5°C to 2.5°C 1.5°C to 2.5°C 1°C to 3°C 1°C to 2.3°C 0.5°C to 3°C 2°C to 3.5°C 1°C to 14.5°C 28 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE human health and coastal zones. This was based on climate change impacts for years 2005 to 2035 and 2050. These do not include social vulnerability and are based on limited available data. More detailed vulnerability assessments that look at interconnected risks are necessary to develop robust adaptation plans, while also expanding the assessment to include all the NAP priority sectors. This is a priority for the next stages in the NAP process. While this section reviews existing information by sector, it is important to note that these impacts will interact with one another along with existing development stressors. It is therefore critical to link these analyses and understand the interactions between climate and development activities. Agriculture and food security Agriculture is an important livelihood, primary food source and large component of the economy. Current climatic conditions are ideal for the production of Sierra Leone’s primary crops: rice, sugar cane, banana, coconut, citrus, cocoa, pineapple, yam and cassava. With climate modelling projections for 2050 demonstrating increased temperatures (approximately +1.30°C) and reduced rainfall (approximately -6 percent), this is likely to change. For instance, rice is the staple food crop in Sierra Leone and is grown mainly by small-scale farmers under rain-fed conditions. This makes agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods especially vulnerable to changes in precipitation. This is compounded by persistent rural poverty and farmers without insurance or resources to invest in irrigation and other agricultural technologies. These climate impacts are likely to increase water requirements for crops, competition for water resources and the incidence of pest and disease outbreaks. Increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and increased intensity and frequency of extreme events such as droughts, threaten agricultural production and food security, which could lead to food shortages, hunger and malnutrition. Water shortages could also lead to the loss of food production and the necessity to import. Compounded by fluctuating world commodity prices and poverty, these climate impacts could further increase vulnerability, hunger and malnutrition (GoSL, 2018). These impacts are even more pronounced for vulnerable groups such as women and the disabled, particularly in rural communities. Water resources and energy Water quality and availability are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Major water uses include domestic (drinking, cooking, hygiene), agriculture (irrigation), industrial (beer, spirits, soft drinks, cooling and waste disposal) and hydroelectric power production. Additionally, rural migration to Freetown during and since the civil conflict has increased pressure on urban water resources. Reliable access to clean water is essential for these multiple uses and for populations with implications for social vulnerability and poverty. Shifting rainfall patterns have created water supply problems. This has led to decreasing access to water and reduced stream flow of rivers and streams. Stream flow has decreased as there has been a decrease in rainfall since the 1970s. For example, the stream flow of the Mano River fell by 30 percent between 1971 and 1989. This has large impacts on access to water since about 80 percent of the rural population receives water from surface sources, including many streams and ponds. These streams dry up during severe droughts which is likely to become more common. There are also seasonal variations where 40 percent of the protected water points suffer water shortages in the dry season (USAID, 2016), demonstrating that existing vulnerability is already acute. 29 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN While sources of water have decreased, consumption by industry and mining has increased. These water uses also lead to decreases in water quality, further lowering the overall clean water available for drinking. While irrigation is the primary non-industrial use of water, fewer than 30,000 ha of farmland is currently irrigated. A large percentage of the population has no access to clean water. This will be further exacerbated by climate change. Urban water is also vulnerable as the Guma Valley reservoir supplies 90 percent of the water for Freetown. It was designed for 300,000 people, while over 1.5 million people live in Freetown. Hydropower, which supplies 60-70 percent of energy is also impacted by climate change as precipitation levels are less predictable and therefore more difficult to manage. Given that only 20.3 percent of the country has electricity, climate change policy needs to consider access to energy that can withstand future climate risks. The challenges facing the water and energy sector are aggravated by rapid population growth, climate change, deforestation, natural disasters, and uncoordinated urban planning. Coastal zone management Climate change is having impacts on coastal communities, fisheries, and coastal environments which are important ecosystems that support livelihoods, such as tourism. The coast is densely populated. It is home to 1,347,000 people and growing at about 2.5 percent annually. Fishing is central to the coastal economy, providing a source of income and livelihoods for fishers, fish processors and fish traders. It has led to a large secondary economy of boat building, wood cutting, fish transportation, basket weaving, fishing gear sales, and trading. It is believed that approximately 40,000 artisanal fishers and their families operate more than 12,000 fishing boats that create up to 50,000 jobs in the fisheries sector (WA BiCC, 2019). Decreasing river flows, rising salinity of estuaries, loss of fish and aquatic plant species and reduction in coastal sediments are likely to damage coastal economies and food security for coastal and riverside populations. As part of the TNC, local vulnerability assessments were conducted. These demonstrated the gendered vulnerability evident in coastal communities, indicating a need for adaptation measures to be targeted to women. With rising sea levels, loss of coastal ecosystems, inundation from major rivers, flash floods during the rainy season and saline intrusions due to decreased low water flows in the dry season, there are increasing challenges to livelihoods. Coastal erosion is already a significant challenge in some coastal areas in Sierra Leone (such as Konakridee, Lakka, Hamilton and Plantain Island) where the coastline is shifting by about 4 to 6 meters a year (WA BiCC, 2019). Sea level rise has the effect of augmenting a decrease in the quality and quantity of ground water resources otherwise caused by human activities. If no action is taken, a total of 26.4 km sq is estimated to be lost to the sea. It is estimated that by 2050, the rising sea level will lead to $46.8 million in building losses with 1,881 buildings affected (World Bank, 2018). Infrastructure Infrastructure in Sierra Leone is vulnerable to climate impacts across the country. This is especially true as the current infrastructure is non-existent or degraded due to the war and deferred maintenance. Roads are the primary mode of transport with limited or non-existent rail. River transport systems are often impassable during the rainy season. The coast which will be impacted by sea level rise, beach erosion and coastal flooding, is densely populated and is an important economic center with ports and tourist facilities. Coastal communities such as Kroobay and Moa Wharf lack flood escape routes due to the low elevation of roads. Other 30 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE roads also flood during the rainy season, making it difficult for farmers to transport their agricultural goods. Additionally, as future infrastructure investment occurs, construction materials and design should be climate sensitive and consider heat stress and flood risk. Water and sanitation infrastructure are sensitive to storm surge, sea level rise and flooding. Wastewater collection and treatment facilities will easily be inundated by rising water levels as they are often situated at the lowest point possible, being dependent on gravity flow to operate. Climate-sensitive, innovative designs of sanitation infrastructure are therefore critical in adapting to climate change. Health Sierra Leone has one of the highest malnutrition and child mortality rates in the world, making the country’s population extremely vulnerable to climate shocks. Incidents of high temperature morbidity and mortality are projected to increase. Rising temperatures are also associated with increased episodes of diarrhoeal diseases, seafood poisoning and increases in dangerous pollutants. As temperatures increase above 25°C, malaria infection is expected to rise. Malaria is the most common cause of illness and death in the country, with malaria-related illnesses contributing to 38 percent of child and 25 percent of all-age mortality rates. The most vulnerable groups include children aged under 5 years and pregnant women. Waterborne diseases are also expected to increase with more frequent and intense flooding. Currently, heavy rains have increased the likelihood of the outbreak of communicable diseases. More intense dry seasons (with increased temperatures) in the north and west have been linked to reduced water quality and disease outbreaks. The last major cholera epidemic outbreak in 2012 caused 300 deaths and affected more than 20,000 people. In Freetown, from July-August 2011 and in August 2012, warmer seas contributed to a toxic algae bloom and increased cases of food poisoning from consumption of shellfish and reef fish. The country’s Ebola outbreak revealed a deficient health system, including understaffed, unavailable or unaffordable health care that will be further stressed by climate change impacts (USAID, 2016). Environment Climate change and existing development stressors will have severe impact on ecosystems. With increased storm surges, flash floods and high winds, these conditions will be exacerbated by pollution, landslides, coastal erosion, deforestation, biodiversity loss and invasive species which will further stress ecosystems. Land cover is expected to change, with 60 percent of the country under tropical dry forest, 24 percent under tropical very dry forest, and 12 percent under sub-tropical moist forest, particularly in the south and east of the country. This is the reverse of the current situation and indicates a northward shift in vegetation (i.e. from tropical rain forest to tropical dry forest) and will change the flora and fauna of these areas. The major challenges of forest management include, among others, poor governance, weak law enforcement, lack of coordination among sector ministries and illegal harvesting. Deforestation also increases both landslides and floods by removing tree roots that stabilize the ground. Disaster management The smallest change in temperatures will increase the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather events. Although it is generally agreed that the incidence of severe weather will increase, there is no clear picture on the likelihood of a general increase in storm frequency 31 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN (GoSL, 2018). Sierra Leone is vulnerable to the increasing severity of droughts, floods and severe storms and their impacts on sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, as well as infrastructure and hydroelectric power production. Of the total number of people affected by disasters in Sierra Leone in the last 30 years, 90 percent were affected by flooding (EM-DAT, 2019). Specifically, from 2008 to 2011, floods affected 221,204 people, killing 145 (11 percent of people killed by disaster). On Monday 14th August 2017, a devastating landslide occurred in Regent, Freetown. The landslide, which occurred in multiple phases, was located in an area which was already affected by severe flooding. Approximately 6,000 people were affected with 1,141 declared dead or missing. The total economic value of the effects of the landslide and flooding is estimated at about SLL237.37 billion (US$31.65 million) according to the 2017 World Bank Loss and Damage Assessment Report (World Bank, 2017). These impacts are the result of a combination of climate variability and unsustainable land use practices (such as building on steep slopes) (WA BiCC, 2017). Urban and rural seasonal flooding, recurrent flash flooding and coastal flooding are commonly observed, leading to seasonal flooding of agricultural fields and low-lying areas, flooding along coastal areas with flood waters overflowing into roads and into residents’ homes. The most affected areas in the recent past include: Kroo Bay, Susan’s Bay, Granville Brook, Lumley area in Western Area, Port Loko and Kambia Districts, the Newton catchment area, Pujehun and Bo areas, Kenema and Moyamba Districts and coastal beaches of the Western Area Peninsular (GoSL, 2018). There are also transboundary issues as heavy rainfall in neighbouring countries may cause floods in Sierra Leone due to three overflowing rivers: the Great Scarcies and Little Scarcies rivers from Guinea and the Mano from Liberia (World Bank, 2017). There are also cascading impacts from flooding. Many communities in Sierra Leone, especially the rural poor, depend on streams and swamps, which dry up during severe droughts. Floods overwhelm existing systems, contaminating drinking water and creating sewerage overflows. 3.6 Vulnerability assessments A comprehensive national vulnerability assessment has not been conducted in Sierra Leone. Those that exist are focused on a sector or area. Many have been produced through donor financed programmes. These small-scale assessments have not been collected in one place or reproduced nationally. There is no comprehensive assessment that has considered social and ecological interactions, urban and rural issues and the interactions between climate and non-climate risks. Additionally, there has been no gender-sensitive analysis of vulnerabilities and risks. There is also a need to explore how transboundary factors will influence vulnerability such as changes in transboundary rivers, remittances and commodity markets. A comprehensive series of gendered vulnerability assessments are a top priority for the next stages in the NAP process. Sierra Leone’s TNC includes limited analysis of vulnerability on agriculture, water resources, health, and coastal areas (GoSL, 2018). The policy states, “The UNDP Adaptation Policy framework methodology provided the overarching approach for the V&A [vulnerability and adaptation] assessments, coupled with the most appropriate existing analytical tools. Stakeholder engagement and relevant consultations were priorities for the sectoral assessments, to the extent possible under the timeframe and funding circumstances. These included various workshops in various parts of the country throughout the process to invite technical inputs on the V&A assessments and the resulting policies and measures recommended.” It is mostly based on studies carried out in other countries and there are significant gaps in the analysis. The document explicitly calls for more national and regional vulnerability assessments. 32 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE The Sierra Leone Coastal Vulnerability Assessment was conducted as part of the USAID-funded WA BiCC program. It examined the vulnerability of fishing communities and ecosystems through household surveys, participatory rural appraisals and mangrove forest inventories. This study is unique for its socio-ecological approach and its coastal variation. An overall vulnerability index, which combined community and ecological vulnerability indices, demonstrated “higher vulnerability in the Scarcies and Shebro regions, linked to high exposure (Scarcies) and low adaptive capacity (Shebro), while SLRE and Yawri Bay have somewhat lower overall vulnerability, despite higher sensitivity of the communities” (WA BiCC, 2017). An image of the social vulnerability is below. The World Bank funded a Multi-City Hazard Review and Risk Assessment in September 2018 (World Bank, 2018). It provides an analysis of the qualitative and quantitative natural hazards and risks for three cities: Freetown, Makeni, and Bo. The coastal erosion hazard and risk assessment and the sea level rise assessment for Freetown use the IPCC global Atmosphere Ocean General Circulation Model to provide a scenario analysis for 2050. The flood and landslide assessments do not incorporate climate risks. 3.7 Vulnerability and climate data opportunities, challenges and needs According to the National Communications and consultations there are various climate data and vulnerability assessment opportunities, challenges and needs. Data collection, availability and research • Current data collection for the National Communications is limited, does not include all sectors and is not compatible with current meteorological models. There is also limited downscaled information. SL-MET is collaborating with the EPA-SL to develop a template for collecting climatic and non-climatic data that follows international guidelines proposed by the UNFCCC, WMO and other supervisory bodies. This is an important first step. Figure 13: Map of the proportion of households in each of the five quintiles of vulnerability, defined over the total sample of households (WA BiCC, 2017). WA BiCC, 2017 33 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN • A thorough assessment of climate services capacities, including all climate-sensitive institutions, is needed to analyze and identify training, technical and financial support. • There is limited information on local and national vulnerability, impacts and risks. Comprehensive vulnerability and risk assessments need to be conducted for all sectors and regions and made accessible. These should be gender sensitive and incorporate youth and people with disabilities. The data collection process and subsequent assessments should be used as opportunities for policy and community learning. • Strengthen the climate database for all institutions in the country, provide up-to-date computer facilities and train experts in the input and storage of climate related data. For example, Sierra Leone has not yet implemented the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and WMO Information System (WIS) which respectively provides a framework for WMO observing systems and connects all National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and regions together for data exchange, management, and processing (WMO, 2019). • Retrieval of data lost during the civil war since only a small portion has been retrieved thus far (WMO, 2019). Some of this data is in Niger and the United Kingdom and needs to be collected and integrated into the current systems for analysis. • Intensify climate change research. Collaborate with national and international institutions that are in the field of research in climate change. • Currently there is no access to reliable information for effective climate risk management. The lack of a climate information communication system enhances the country’s vulnerability. Without appropriate information and climate risk management tools, policies will lack the right navigation to govern climate risks in all sectors. • There is limited dissemination of available forecasts. Furthermore, these forecasts are not packaged in a format that is accessible to end-users such as district planners or policy makers. • Consistent data availability for hydrological data is needed. For instance, Sierra Leone does not possess a quality management framework for hydrology which is based on reliable hydrological data and information as key inputs to the management of water resources (WMO, 2019). Equipment and technical needs • Procurement and installation of meteorological stations for the collection and monitoring of all categories of data (including aviation, agricultural, marine, and climatological data). For example, there is a need for approximately 200 agricultural stations. There are currently 8 weather stations and more are needed so that each of the 16 districts has a weather station. This will improve the ability to monitor the micro-climates within Sierra Leone and to understand climate change and its possible impacts. An increase in the amount of weather stations would also aid the provision of agricultural data so that there is better understanding of the climatic conditions. Finally, an increase in the number of automatic weather stations would also assist in providing data for ground truthing radar systems. • Providing automatic recording equipment and instruments for continuous recording of meteorological, hydrological and climatological elements and phenomena. • There is a need for procuring forecasting models and software. 34 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Institutional and human capacity needs • SL-MET has varying levels of capacity for different types of data. It has significant capacity in aviation but less capacity in hydromet, marine met, and agromet, which needs addressing. • The EPA-SL has a Climate Change Secretariat that coordinates the development of the various convention reports. The Agency has the capacity to conduct environmental monitoring, but lacks the capacity to conduct a strong vulnerability assessment, adaptation modelling and adaptation planning. This needs to be strengthened. • Inadequate staff and poor facilities for weather forecasting and related activities have undermined the ability of the SL-MET to provide adequate support and information to all sectors and stakeholders so that they can better adapt to the impacts of climate change. For instance, there is not enough staff to collect data from manual stations and training is needed for people to work at new stations as they are built. • The need for capacity building and training for technical and non-technical staff in the SL-MET, National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) and Disaster Management Agency (DMA) should be addressed in order to meet present and future challenges. This includes data collection, management and decision-making on climate change, natural hazards and hydrology. • NWRMA needs capacity and technical support to revive the National Hydrological System. • There is a need to train people to repair and maintain stations rather than relying solely on international experts. • Strengthen and capacitate Statistics Sierra Leone so that it can respond to the data and information needs of the country through a coordinated and concerted approach with the various stakeholders. • In the short term, there needs to be more experts trained in meteorology. Currently, this training must occur internationally as there are no WMO accredited institutions in the country. In the longer term, there needs to be an accredited university programme established in the country including a research programme on environmental modelling. • Address gaps in technical skills for generation information on climate change. For example, downscaled or long-term forecasts are non-existent and/or not utilized. • Facilitate collaboration with national, regional and international agencies. • Data and information are fragmented across the various sectors and it is often difficult to ascertain their credibility and relevance. • There are plans to tailor weather messages to the agricultural sectors next year. There still needs to be improved access to data for all stakeholders, including local councils, to inform decision-making and tailor access to information for other sectors. • Currently, understanding of forecasts is poor as is the dissemination of information. Stakeholder and community training is needed to interpret forecasts. • To integrate local knowledge into forecasting and understanding of climate impacts. Chiefdom and District Surveillance Groups could be formed. This would create a network of local observers and monitors that can work together to document and share observations on climate trends, impacts and consequences, using a blend of local knowledge and scientific methodologies and tools. 35 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN C H A P T E R 4 4.1 Introduction This chapter presents existing policies and plans related to the formulation and implementation of the NAP. It explores adaptation plans and policies, as well as plans related to formulating a comprehensive NAP. The chapter also describes a number of opportunities, challenges and gaps with respect to alignment with existing strategic, legal and regulatory frameworks. 4.2 Climate change adaptation plans and policies Sierra Leone has rapidly increased its climate policy portfolio since its NAPA was produced in 2007. Since then, it has developed a National Climate Change Policy, NCCSAP, a National Determined Contribution (NDC) and three National Communications to the UNFCCC. It has also begun its NAP process prior to this document with a NAP Framework and a NAP Communications Plan. All these documents lay the foundation for the NAP. Timeline 2007 NAPA, INC 2012 National Climate Change Policy Framework (NCCPF), Second National Communication to the UNFCCC (SNC) 2013 National Development Plan – the Agenda for Prosperity (2013-2018)/Third Generation Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (2013-2018) 2015 NDC, NCCSAP 2018 TNC 2019 NAP Framework 2020 NAP Communications Strategy, Fourth Generation Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper/MTNDP Adaptation related policies, plans and programmes Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 36 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE National Adaptation Programme of Action (2007) Sierra Leone has linked adaptation with its national development planning and international development goals from the start. The NAPA document was based on the goals and objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and the Millennium Development Goals (GoSL, 2007b). The NAPA specifically linked to PRSP goals to improve public health and biodiversity in support of sustainable development, while its projects were focused on immediate needs and the most urgent adaptation concerns in six sectors. National Climate Change Policy Framework (2012) Developed through a participatory and iterative process, this NCCPF was developed following an assessment of climate risks based on its INC, NAPA, and SNC. One of the policy goals is to enhance national capacity to adapt to climate change. Its mission is “…to strengthen national initiatives to adapt to and mitigate climate change in a participatory manner that involves engaging all sectors of Sierra Leone’s society with appropriate and adequate consideration for the women, the youth, the aged, the poor and other vulnerable groups within the overall context of advancing sustainable socio-economic development in Sierra Leone” (2012a). The policy makes clear the need for mainstreaming of adaptation and the links between its climate change and development planning. It states, “…climate change mainstreaming is imperative, which involves the integration of policies and measures to address climate change into our sectors and development planning and decision making, so as to ensure the long-term sustainability of our investments as well as reduce the sensitivity of development activities to both today’s and tomorrow’s climate.” Mainstreaming climate change into development is viewed as necessary for building a better developed and more resilient society. National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2015a) The NCCSAP has moved Sierra Leone’s climate policy forward. It includes adaptation actions in the agriculture sector, adaptation to sea level rise, tourism sector, fisheries, forestry, health and water resources. Also contained in the plan are projects with activities and costs, and a resource mobilization strategy. The Plan will further encompass issues such as early warning systems, flood prevention infrastructure, capacity building and livelihood support and will be updated in 2021 to be cross-sectoral and focus on vulnerable sectors and communities. National Communications to the UNFCCC Sierra Leone has completed three National Communications to the UNFCCC. The INC was completed in 2007, the SNC in 2012 and the TNC in 2018. The INC includes a chapter on vulnerability and adaptation (GoSL, 2007a). Adaptation measures were included for agriculture, forests, water resources and coastal zones with particular focus on public health. The policy development process produced the first vulnerability assessments for the country. The SNC focused on agriculture, forestry, water resources, human health, coastal resources and human settlements and tourism (GoSL, 2012b). The TNC focused on agriculture, water resources, human health and coastal resources and human settlements (GoSL 2018). All three include vulnerability and adaptation interventions by sector based on limited data. Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement The NDC’s vision is “…to create a new era for a harmonious relationship between the economy, environment, social and long-term sustainability; shifts to a green economy and provides for the identification and implementation of various mitigation and adaptation measures.” (GoSL, 37 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 2015b). The NDC, which was updated in 2021, aims to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability by half by 2030. It also seeks to mainstream climate considerations into sustainable development strategies to build resilience at local level, while promoting environmental benefits in an integrated manner at national level. The revised NDC updates and strengthens the first NDC for both mitigation and adaptation contributions, informed by improved data collection, in-depth technical analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement. It is linked to previous climate and development policies and the initial NAP, in particular the National Climate Change Plan, NCCSAP and NAPA. The NDC is iterative, and it will be reviewed to inform the MTNDP. The NDC also includes the intention to link NAP and NDC actions moving forward. It is also explicitly tied to the NAP, with actions listed in the NDC implemented through the NAP. Additionally, the NDC makes clear that gender mainstreaming is a key component of the MTNDP and NDC. This adds to the mandate for a gender responsive NAP process. NAP Framework The NAP Framework (2019) was a first step in formulating and implementing the NAP. It aims to set objectives for and determine the principles, approaches and structure of the NAP process for the country. It serves as a basis for the NAP as part of an iterative and consultative policy process. Sierra Leone’s climate change communications strategy under the National Adaptation Plan (2020) The communication strategy provides short- and mid-term direction on how the government can utilize information strategically and effectively to support the NAP process. Its goals are to: (1) improve awareness and understanding of the GoSL’s climate change adaptation initiatives and the NAP process through effective communication, education and training; (2) promote an inclusive and participatory approach to adapting to climate change so that the GoSL can unite under a common vision and speak with one voice on the issue of addressing climate change impacts; (3) generate support and political commitment among key decision-makers for the NAP process and for prioritizing, managing and resourcing efforts to address climate change adaptation issues; (4) persuade the general public and the private sector of the need for a significant and timely investment in climate change adaptation from both public and private sources within and outside of Sierra Leone; and (5) encourage Sierra Leoneans to embark on activities that strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change. Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Plan The Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCCAP) was produced through a USAID project and designed to be integrated into the NAP process. The primary vision of CCCAP is to identify and implement measures to conserve and make the best use of Sierra Leone’s coastal resources while contributing to SDGs for the benefits of present and future generations. The Plan employs an ecosystem-based approach to climate change adaptation on the coast of Sierra Leone as part of efforts to foster climate resilience in the country. This will hopefully be replicated in West Africa. The ultimate outcome is to have coastal landscapes in Sierra Leone that are organized and furnished with the tools to plan for, and adapt to, the impacts of climate change. 38 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Strategy for the Development of a Climate Change Abatement Economy (2010) The Strategy focuses on opportunities for earning forest carbon credits through the implementation of REDD/REDD+ programmes. It articulates government goals to develop and manage 2.5 million ha of forests in the next decade, with the aim of assisting income-generating activities of non-timber forest products, sustainable tree crops and ecotourism. National Framework for Climate Services The National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) for Sierra Leone is a response to the declaration of the World Climate Conference-3 held in Geneva in 2009. It is set on the premise that a national framework is necessary for strengthening the design, delivery and application of climate services across sectors and communities. The action plan allows actors within the climate action arena to meet the Global Framework for Climate Services requirements and contribute to wider national and global efforts that seek to address the effects and impacts of climate change. It will support the integration of climate science and action into decision-making at different levels and across scale, and thus, ensure that the country is fully prepared to generate and use information on the risks and vulnerabilities that may cause severe losses and damage in the long-term. This makes the NFCS one of few unique country-level attempts to highlight the importance of a coordinated action to address requirements for engaging globally on matters of climate change. 4.3 Other relevant documents and policies The National Environmental Policy The first National Environmental Policy (NEP) was approved in 1990 and revised in 1994 and 2002. It is a milestone document for environmental management with important implications for climate change. This policy highlights the general principles to be considered by all activities that have potential implications for the environment, in particular outlining the main environmental goals and objectives that underlie Sierra Leone’s aspirations for sustainable development. Its relevance to climate change can be viewed in terms of the restraints that it poses to the uncontrolled use of forests, along with their natural resources. The National Environmental Action Plan (2002) Unlike the NEP, the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) sought to identify specific activities that needed to be undertaken in order to protect Sierra Leone’s environment. Most of these activities, which were intended to be integrated into any future National Development Plan (NDP), relate to such issues as environmental education and training, environmental information systems (EIS), and the integration of NEAPs into NDPs. Because this plan also ranks and prioritizes environmental actions with a strong emphasis on protecting security of tenure, it has serious implications for climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency Act (2008) and Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Act (2010) The Act created the Environmental Protection Agency and raised the profile of the environment within the administrative structure. This Act mandates that EPA-SL, among others, advise the President on the formulation of policies on all aspects of the environment and, in particular, make recommendations for the protection of the environment. The Act appoints EPA-SL as the environmental focal point to ensure that Sierra Leone complies with relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). 39 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Act (2017) This Act establishes the SL-MET as the sole authority on providing meteorological and climatological services across Sierra Leone. National Disaster and Risk Management Policy (DRAFT) Sierra Leone developed its National Disaster and Risk Management Policy to address disasters and hazards which impose serious impediments to its development. It aims at (i) decreasing vulnerability among people and communities at risk from shocks, (ii) decreasing social, economic and environmental impacts and consequences of disasters, and (iii) avoiding setbacks on the national path towards sustainable development. National Drought Management Plan (2018) The National Drought Management Plan is designed as a contingency plan for Sierra Leone and funded by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It presents general guidelines for developing drought preparedness, as well as planning and managing actions for monitoring, impact prediction and assessment, and mitigation. It promotes incentives for a more proactive, anticipatory approach to drought management, while emphasizing the need to learn from previous efforts to manage related risks and impacts while documenting, evaluating and sharing information at multiple levels. National Land Degradation Neutrality target setting process (2018) In the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) target setting process, Sierra Leone’s Technical Working Group identified and established hotspots of degraded areas using three indicators: land cover, land productivity dynamics and soil organic carbon content. The hotspots provided useful guidelines for establishing baselines of land degradation from which the national voluntary targets were set. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Developed in 2003, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan was formulated based on the NEAP. It highlights the condition of Sierra Leone’s biological and ecological resources and the threats posed to their existence. This plan specifically identifies a range of cross-sectoral actions needed to ensure the effective protection and sustainable use of the country’s resources. Several of these priority actions, which relate mainly to such thematic issues as forest management, land degradation, and soil and water management, have also been outlined among the key priority activities of the NAPA. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan 2016-2020 (2015) (ICZMP) This is the first plan of its kind for Sierra Leone and was created to implement recommendations from the State of the Marine Environment report. The goal of the Plan is to conserve the coastal and marine environment and to ensure that its resources are utilized in a sustainable manner for the benefit of coastal communities and the country as a whole. Off-grid Solar Energy Strategy This Strategy and monitoring mechanism reviews and consolidates the many documents, plans and policies in current use in the sector to develop deeper insights into research and debates relevant to off-grid solar energy issues This includes Stand-Alone Systems (SAS), Solar Home Systems (SHS) and productive uses of solar power. It also identifies gaps, overlaps, and 40 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE topics that should be included in the National Electrification Plan. It serves as a benchmark for examining current off-grid SAS and SHS solutions, maps stakeholders in terms of their influence and interest in these systems and offers a reference point for assessing progress made with the implementation of any future off-grid solar strategies and action plans. National Policy on the Advancement of Women and the National Policy on Gender Mainstreaming These policies were adopted in 2009 and 2019 respectively. They have been reinforced by the National Gender Strategic Plan (2009-2012) and the Sierra Leone National Action Plan (SILNAP) for the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and the UNSCR 1820 on Sexual Violence. 4.4 Climate change adaptation projects and programmes There have been numerous climate change adaptation (CCA) projects and programmes carried out by national and international agencies. Many of these projects have been implemented in collaboration with civil society organizations. They have had numerous positive impacts including diversification of the SL-MET’s capacity for information collection, processing and advisory services, increased awareness of climate change, support for communities and civil society, and piloting of adaptation actions. This demonstrates that adaptation actions across sectors and high donor dependence of adaptation are effective in Sierra Leone. Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 41 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Name of project Objective(s) Value Implementer Funder Delivery period National early warning system on food and nutrition security in Sierra Leone Enhance the capacity of government and its partners to establish and operationalize a Food Security and Nutrition National Early Warning System (NEWS) both at national and district levels €652,841 FAO Irish Aid 2013-2017 Linking agriculture, natural resource management and nutrition Leverage agriculture, natural resource management, income- generating activities and empowerment of women for better nutrition €468,500 WHH Irish Aid Increasing community access to, and quality of, water, sanitation and improved hygiene practices in Freetown and Kenema Increase community access to water and water quality, and improve sanitation and hygiene practices in Freetown and Kenema €556,404 Goal Irish Aid Increasing the resilience of Freetown and Tonkolili’s poor and vulnerable to hazards Increase the resilience of the extremely poor/vulnerable to hazards €159,150 Concern Worldwide Irish Aid Strengthening climate information and early warning systems for climate-resilient development Improve climate monitoring and early warning systems through a series of targeted interventions $3.9 million UNDP GEF 2013-2018 Energy efficient production and utilization of charcoal through innovative technologies and private sector involvement Bring economic, social and environmental benefits through the production of charcoal from sustainably sourced feedstock and promotion of improved cookstoves to reduce fuelwood demand, improve health, and reduce GHG emissions $2.1 million UNDP UNDP and GEF 2014-2020 Building adaptive capacity of water supply services to climate change in Sierra Leone Enhance the capacity for climate- resilient decision-making in the water sector through policy reforms, technical capacity development activities, and informed public and private sector dialogues $3.4 million UNDP UNDP and GEF 2013-2019 Adapting to climate change induced coastal risks in Sierra Leone Strengthen the ability of government institutions and coastal communities to systematically manage climate change risks and impacts on physical infrastructure and socio- economic development $9.9 million UNDP GEF 2016 to date Environment and natural disaster management project Support natural resource governance in the key areas of natural resource management, environment protection, policy and legal frameworks within the extractives sector, land tenure policy and adapting to the impacts of climate change and other man- made and natural disasters $800,000 UNDP UNDP 2016 to date Table 2: CCA Projects and Programmes 42 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Name of project Objective(s) Value Implementer Funder Delivery period Sustainable livelihoods through improved natural resource management Address challenges related to poor governance of natural resources by improving transparency processes, promoting constructive dialogue between civil society and key actors from the private sector and government, as well as by supporting activities that strengthen livelihoods for vulnerable youth $1.5 million UNDP and FAO SDG Fund 2015 to 2017 Voluntary guidelines on the governance of tenure of land, fisheries, and forests (VGGT) in the context of national food security Collaborate across all VGGT relevant sectors (land, fisheries and forests) in an institutional framework to implement the guidelines and improve responsible tenure governance in the country FAO Federal Republic of Germany 2014 to 2016 Agricultural Value Chain Development Project Strengthen climate-proof rural infrastructure through the rehabilitation of feeder roads and warehouses to improve product drying and storage capacity. It will also build the capacity of smallholder farmers through farmer field schools and provide them with credit for their investments on farms $104.43 million Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry IFAD, OPEC Fund, and GoSL 2018-2025 Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme, phase 2 Strengthen and expand the rural finance system, and support gender mainstreaming, women’s empowerment and youth engagement $47.15 million Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry IFAD, IFC, and GoSL 2013-2022 Smallholder Commercialization Programme Empower the rural poor to increase their food security and income on a sustainable basis $56.4 million Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry GAFSP and GoSL 2011-2019 Rural Renewable Energy Project Develop a portfolio of solar mini-grids across southern and eastern Sierra Leone. Support the energy access objectives and its renewed drive for clean energy access UNOPS UKAID Promoting Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development project (PRESSD) Contribute to poverty alleviation through renewable energy services while promoting low-carbon development €7 million ENFO, OXFAM-IBIS, COOPI, and WHH EU 2014-2018 Biodiversity Conservation Programme Improve the management of selected priority biodiversity conservation sites and enhance its capacity for replication of best biodiversity conservation practices $23.8 million National Protected Area Authority World Bank and GEF 2010-2015 West African Peninsula Forest Conservation Project WHH EU 2010-2013 Freetown Emergency Recovery Project Rehabilitate selected critical infrastructure and strengthen government capacity for managing disaster risk $10 million Ministry of Finance World Bank and GoSL 2018-2021 Table 2: CCA Projects and Programmes 43 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Table 2: CCA Projects and Programmes Name of project Objective(s) Value Implementer Funder Delivery period Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project Improve integrated urban management, service delivery, and disaster emergency management in Freetown and select cities in Sierra Leone $56.7 million Ministry of Finance and select municipal councils World Bank and GoSL 2020-2025 Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project Improve the quality of public transport, address climate resilience, improve road safety in selected areas and enhance institutional capacity in the transport sector $50 million Ministry of Transport and Aviation World Bank and GoSL 2019-2024 West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Programme (WA BiCC) Improve conservation and climate- resilient, low-emissions growth across West Africa $46 million Tetra Tech ARD and various international partners USAID 2015-2020 Sustainable and Thriving Environments for West African Regional Development (STEWARD) Promote sustainable livelihoods and forest management plans, develop climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services, monitor programme impact on land and improve policy and legal frameworks, develop viable payment for ecosystem service models and viable, sustainable non-timber forest product value chains $18 million US Forest Service- International Programmes USAID 2008-2016 Promoting Agriculture Governance and the Environment (PAGE) Increase productivity while supporting sustainable natural resource management and promoting transparent and participatory democratic governance ACDI VOCA USAID 2008-2012 Building biocarbon and rural development in West Africa (BIODEV) CIFOR Govn’tof Finland 2013-2017 Supporting community-based DRR Build the capacity of targeted communities to implement community-based DRM, and provide technical assistance to district and national institutions to integrate DRR and CCA in development planning $699,837 Office of National Security World Bank and EU 4.5 Policy opportunities, challenges and needs This section briefly describes needs and opportunities to support adaptation policy, planning and projects: • Review and revise the Draft Climate Policy. • Develop a Climate Act to mandate the integration of adaptation into development planning and clarify institutional roles and create a mandate for a National Climate Steering Committee. • Most current policies, strategies and regulatory mechanisms have limited or no consideration of climate change issues. Vulnerability and risk assessments conducted as part of the NAP process can be used to revise existing policies to integrate climate risks into plans. 44 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE • There is a lack of coordination and policy coherence across adaptation and adaptation-related policies. The Ministry of Environment should work to integrate all environmental institutions under its mandate in order to simplify policy development, coordination and monitoring and evaluation. • The GoSL should review sector policies and legal frameworks in light of the required collaboration and coordination of the roles and functions of the Ministries, department and agencies to address adaptation. No agency can efficiently function as a standalone agency. Adaptation needs to be integrated into the daily work of each agency and their plans. • The Ministry of Environment should engage all international convention focal points, organize quarterly meetings and ask for status reports. This will enable the leveraging of capacities within different agencies and departments and set standards for collaboration, communication and public engagement. • All adaptation projects developed by Ministries, departments and agencies should be reviewed by the Steering Committee to ensure that institutions collaborate and coordinate adaptation actions. The Ministry of Environment could facilitate the setting up and coordination of the Steering Committee and provide regular reports on its performance. • There is a lack of mechanisms to disseminate project information, lessons learned, and best practices to other stakeholders, including government departments. There has been no integrated assessment of adaptation projects as a whole to share lessons learned and use the assessment to create approaches that can be scaled up across the country. The NAP process can support the development of an integrated reporting and learning system. This would allow for the collection and analysis of previous projects with systematic reporting to make the information available for all stakeholders. This will effectively benefit future programmes. • Currently, there is no specific budget allocation for adaptation in Ministry budgets, making plans difficult to implement. A certain portion of the budget should be committed for adaptation to enable national institutions involved in planning and delivering climate adaptation projects. This would enable them to have more ownership of climate finance projects, and to support their sustainability beyond the project termination. • Increase university capacity in order to provide the expertise and services required to support effective policy implementation and develop a new generation of climate adaptation experts. • There is a need to increase public and government awareness on (a) climate change impacts and risk (b) adaptation measures, and (c) how human interaction can either diminish (through adaptation and preparedness) or exacerbate climate change impacts. The NAP process can be used as a means to educate the public through implementing the NAP Communications Strategy. • Policies do not incentivize private sector engagement. 45 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN C H A P T E R 5 5.1 Introduction This chapter presents primary government stakeholders and adaptation priorities for Sierra Leone’s initial NAP. The Government of Sierra Leone has defined the following priority sectors for its NAP: • Agriculture and food security • Water resources and energy • Coastal zone management (including fisheries and coastal ecosystems) • Environment (including tourism, land, mineral resources and forestry) • Disaster management • Cross-cutting priorities: • Infrastructure, including water and sanitation, transportation and health) • Gender equality and social inclusion, focusing on youth, women, elderly and persons with disabilities Additionally, this chapter includes an analysis and compilation of existing adaptation priorities within these defined sectors. The following plans were analysed and included in the priority programmes: • Initial National Communications (INC) • Second National Communications (SNC) • Third National Communications (TNC) • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) • National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) • Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCCAP) • Low-Carbon Climate Resilient Development Strategy (LCCRDS) • National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (NCCSAP) • Medium-term National Development Plan (MTNDP) Priority adaptation actions Photo: Sierra Leone, UNICEF 46 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE • National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) • Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP) • Off-grid Solar Energy Strategy (OGSES) The initial NAP stakeholder consultation workshop conducted in Freetown in October 2020 validated these priorities. Within these sectors, the priorities that are linked have been classified into programmes of adaptation. This is just a first step in this process. After additional consultations and vulnerability and risk assessments, these priorities will be modified to meet current and future needs. A stakeholder inclusive mechanism will be developed to identify implementation approaches for the priorities. This procedure will draw on adaptation approaches applied under similar circumstances elsewhere and will take into consideration the local context shaping adaptation needs in Sierra Leone. Once options are identified for each of the objectives, a ranking/prioritization procedure will be applied; this may include the use of multi-criteria analysis (MCA), cost-benefit analysis (CBA), or some other equivalent methodology. Best practices will inform the prioritization process, and, if prioritization criteria are used, these will be developed with inputs from a range of stakeholders. Photo: Sierra Leone, UNICEF 47 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 5.2 Key Government stakeholders by priority Agriculture and food security • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, SL-Met, Planning Evaluation, Monitoring, Statistical Division (PEMSD) • Environment Protection Agency • Municipality and district councils Water resources and energy • Ministry of Water Resources • National Water Resources Management Agency (Hydrological Services Department) Environment Protection Agency (Chemical Controls and Management Department) • Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone • Ministry of Energy • Municipality and district councils Coastal zone management • Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources • Environment Protection Agency (Natural Resources Management Department) • Coastal Chiefs Natural Resources Management Network • Sherbro River Estuary Co-management Committee • Community management associations • Municipality and district councils • National protected area authority Environment • Ministry of the Environment • Environment Protection Agency • Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs • National protected area authority • National Tourist Board • Ministry of Lands and Country Planning • Municipality and district councils Disaster management • Office of National Security Disaster Management Department Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency National Fire Force Sierra Leone Red Cross Volunteer Services Oversea Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority • Community disaster management committees Environment Protection Agency (Climate Change Secretariat) • Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development • Municipality and district councils Cross-cutting Gender equality and social inclusion • Ministry of Social Welfare • Gender and Children’s Affairs • National Children’s Commission • Human Rights Commission • Municipality and District Councils Infrastructure (Health, water and sanitation and transportation) • Ministry of Health and Sanitation • Ministry of Transport and Aviation • Environment Protection Agency • Ministry of the Environment • Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency • Ministry of Information and Communication • Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority • Sierra Leone Roads Authority • Sierra Leone Motor Drivers Union • Municipality and district councils • Road Maintenance Fund Administration 48 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 5.3 Priority adaptation programmes The priority adaptation programmes are divided by sector and included in Table 5.4 below. The adaptation programmes have been classified into five categories: • Physical investments. Priorities that involve building or construction. • Human capacity development. Priorities that involve training or capacity development for individuals within the government and among non-government stakeholders (e.g., private sector, NGOs and CSOs). • Institutional strengthening. Priorities that involve improving institutional capacity and other aspects of governance. • Regulatory modifications. Priorities that involve modification or enhancement of sectoral and/or subnational policy, regulatory, or legal frameworks. • Research. Priorities that involve enhancing available data and information as well as the associated capacities to produce, process, and utilize data and information. Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 49 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type I. Agriculture and food security So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 1: Promote climate-smart agriculture and climate resilient food security practices Adoption and application of climate smart and conservation agriculture through best agricultural practices that enhance soil fertility and improve crop yield NDC ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Integrated management of crops and livestock management NDC ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Develop and maintain seed banks to provide a variety of seed types that preserve biological diversity and enable farmers to make informed choices NCCSAP ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Promote innovative and adaptive approaches such as irrigation and water harvesting to protect farmers from variability in rainfall NDC ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Provide appropriate infrastructure, social services and mechanization of agriculture in the rural areas to slowdown massive movements of youths into urban areas TNC ● ● ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Mainstream climate change into agricultural development strategies) TNC ● ● Environment Protection Agency Programme 2: Improve research and knowledge management capacities to support climate smart agriculture and resilient land management Support the establishment of adequate weather stations around the country to provide reliable and adequate weather data to farmers NCCSAP/TNC ● ● Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Provide adequate support to the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute as well as Njala University to develop appropriate crop varieties and production practices that will enhance resilience to adverse weather conditions NCCSAP/TNC ● ● Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Develop modelling approaches and tools to allow assessment of impacts of climate change on export and domestic crops and meat production NCCSAP/TNC ● ● Environment Protection Agency Develop regional links to fund and promote plant breeding programmes for common crops NCCSAP/TNC ● ● Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Review approaches to integrated pest management under climate change NCCSAP/SNC ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Conduct a feasibility study to gather information on community perceptions of climate smart agriculture techniques CCCAP ● Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 50 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type I. Agriculture and food security So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy II. Water resources and energy Programme 1: Improve institutional and functional capacities for integrated water management Improve planning and coordination of the use of the river basin, which may provide solutions to problems of water quality and supply NCCSAP/INC ● ● National Water Resources Management Agency Increase and maintain investment in hydrological monitoring and water use through a national database NCCSAP/SNC ● ● National Water Resources Management Agency Fund research on adopting a water resources and water supply planning method under climate change NCCSAP ● Ministry of Water Resources Develop appropriate modelling tools to assist strategic planning of water resources NCCSAP/TNC ● ● National Water Resources Management Agency Investigate shifting focus from ground water to surface water storage for water supply to reduce the reliance on vulnerable coastal aquifers NCCSAP/TNC ● ● National Water Resources Management Agency 51 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type II. Water resources and energy So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 2: Enhance universal access to energy by promoting renewables and energy efficiency Establish and operationalize a National Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (NaCREEE) to promote off-grid tand-alone solar (SAS) investments through technical advice and knowledge sharing in the areas of policy and regulation, technology development and transfer and public education OGSES ● Ministry of Energy Increase awareness of off-grid SAS and strengthen market knowledge by improving market intelligence OGSES ● ● Ministry of Energy Strengthen local institutions and empower the private sector through capacity, network and partnership building OGSES ● ● Ministry of Energy Provide up to date market information through research and awareness raising campaigns OGSES ● Ministry of Energy Align technology development and knowledge transfer goals with regional goals set for 2030 OGSES ● ● Ministry of Energy Technically support the Energy Planning Unit in creating a pipeline of off-grid SAS projects OGSES ● ● Ministry of Energy Introduce solar technology management in school curricula and technical and vocational education at the tertiary level OGSES ● ● Ministry of Technical and Higher Education Develop guidelines for the standardization of off-grid solar systems including technical equipment, design and assessment methods, operations and maintenance procedures and environmental compliance OGSES ● ● Standards Bureau Mobilize financial institutions to create investment packages and counterpart funding OGSES ● ● Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone 52 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE II. Water resources and energy So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 3: Mainstream considerations of gender equality and social inclusion into sectoral plans and strategies Expand women’s and youth employment opportunities and participation in the management of off-grid solar energy interventions OGSES ● Ministry of Energy/Ministry of Gender Build women-led partnerships at the local level to facilitate knowledge exchange, resource mobilization and sustained quality of services OGSES ● Ministry of Energy/Ministry of Gender Bridge the gap in the proportion of women to men employment as solar technicians, engineers and project managers by promoting the entry of more women into jobs delivered within the sector through information, communication, education campaigns, scholarships and job placements OGSES ● Ministry of Energy/Ministry of Gender Build the capacities of youth, women, PWDs, and other disadvantaged groups in using off-grid solar energy resources safely and productively (including for livelihood and business development or improvement) OGSES ● Ministry of Energy/ Ministry of Gender/ Ministry of Youth Affairs/ III. Infrastructure (including WASH, transportation, and urban development) Programme 1: Improve climate change adaptation infrastructure across priority sectors Enhance waste management systems at all levels to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to improve health of both humans and animals and reduce climate change NDC ● ● ● Municipal Councils/ Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Support the construction of appropriate roads particularly feeder roads in rural areas as a climate resilience strategy NCCSAP ● Sierra Leone Roads Authority/ Road Maintenance Fund Administration Diversify economic growth through a strengthened transport sector, particularly infrastructure to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions LCCRDS ● ● Ministry of Transport and Aviation Programme 2: Mainstream climate change adaptation considerations into sectoral plans and strategies Strengthen integration of climate change adaptation into the health sector NDC ● ● ● Ministry of Health and Sanitation Monitor and control WASH activities in informal settlements NAPA ● ● ● Ministry of Health and Sanitation 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type 53 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN III. Infrastructure (including WASH, transportation, and urban development) So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 3: Develop local institutional capacity to support coastal resources management Monitor academic and public news media to keep informed about changes in climate change science and adaptation tools, technologies and success stories CCCAP ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Operationalize a Coastal Chiefdoms Natural Resources Management Network (CCNRMN) and various co-management committees CCCAP ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Sanitation Support the development, validation and enforcement of by-laws on mangrove wood harvesting, fishing and sand mining, at local and regional levels to promote mangrove conservation and adaptation to climate change CCCAP ● Coastal Chiefdoms Natural Resources Management Network Collect physical and socioeconomic data to better understand vulnerabilities and impacts CCCAP ● ● National Protected Area Authority/ Institute of Marine Biology and Oceanography Train relevant coastal institutions on climate change adaptation and mangrove conservation CCCAP ● ● National Protected Area Authority IV. Coastal zone management (including fisheries, marine resources, and coastal ecosystems) Programme 1: Management of coastal and fisheries resources Promotion of non-destructive fishing techniques to maintain resilience of marine ecosystems NDC ● ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Promotion of monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing grounds and fish stocks for sustainable exploitation NCCSAP ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Promotion of climate change related education and awareness programmes NCCSAP ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Improve productivity and sustainable management of fisheries and the marine sector MTNDP ● ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Develop and operationalize an integrated coastal zone management plan NAPA ● ● Environment Protection Agency Adopt an adaptive management approach for the governance of coastal management institutions and interventions ICZMP ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type 54 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE IV. Coastal zone management (including fisheries, marine resources, and coastal ecosystems) (cont’d) So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 1: Management of coastal and fisheries resources (cont’d) Improve fisheries governance through awareness raising and law enforcement to regulate fishing practices CCCAP ● ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Mainstream climate change adaptation into coastal development plans, using local development funds managed by councils to build resilience CCCAP ● ● ● Coastal District Councils Programme 2: Increase human (social) development through technology transfer and livelihood support Strengthen the adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable groups and communities through social safety nets and insurance schemes NDC ● ● ● Coastal Chiefdoms Natural Resources Management Network Undertake research to assess local uptake potential of livelihood techniques and technologies CCCAP ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Promote agri-sylvicultural practices and sustainable rice cultivation in coastal landscapes CCCAP ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Programme 3: Provide information and improve knowledge on climate risks and vulnerabilities Delineate hazard (flood and erosion prone) areas along the coastline NCCSAP ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Improve the quality of topographic data for the coastal zone NCCSAP ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Establish robust and long-term mangrove ecosystem health surveillance, monitoring and analysis to develop insights into their current state and map future risks and vulnerabilities CCCAP ● ● ● ● Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources V. Environment (including forestry, mining, tourism and land management) Programme 1: Improve natural resources management in critical biodiversity hotspots Manage rangelands and pastures by managing grazing systems and grazing intensity, fire management and pasture rehabilitation NDC ● ● ● Ministry of the Environment Restore degraded lands with high production potential NDC ● Ministry of the Environment Establish new forest reserves, national parks and protected areas NAPA ● ● ● National Protected Area Authority 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type 55 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN V. Environment (including forestry, mining, tourism and land management) (cont’d) So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 2: Improve the resilience of environmental value chains across the sector Enhance the resilience of the tourism value chain NDC ● ● Ministry of Tourism and Culture/ National Tourist Board Programme 3: Develop local institutional capacity to support coastal resources management Integrate climate change adaptation into the mining/extractive sector NDC ● ● ● Environment Protection Agency Mainstream climate change adaptation into land reforms, including establishment of a land commission and revision of the land policy NDC ● ● ● Environment Protection Agency Programme 4: Improve institutional and functional capacities for environmental governance Adopt the Draft Climate Policy into a comprehensive Climate Act NDC ● Environment Protection Agency Establish the enabling legislative framework to implement the NCCS&AP actions NDC ● Environment Protection Agency Establish and/or strengthen the high-level National Climate Change Council (NCCC), in the Office of the President NDC ● ● Ministry of the Environment Establish a Sierra Leone Climate Fund as a financing mechanism for priority climate change actions and interventions NDC ● ● Ministry of the Environment Institutionalize coordination, monitoring, reporting and verification of climate change issues by strengthening the Environment Protection Agency for effective and efficient provision of technical policy advice to the Government and people of Sierra Leone LCCRDS ● ● Environment Protection Agency VI. Disaster management Programme 1: Establish early warning systems to improve local understanding of risks Promotion and facilitation of early warning and disaster preparedness system NDC ● Disaster Management Agency, Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Transformation of the National Meteorological Services of Sierra Leone NDC ● ● ● Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Build capacity in observations and monitoring of climate systems, and in developing, packaging and communicating weather and climate information NFCS ● ● Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Develop deeper insight into climate related hazards, vulnerability and risks NFCS ● Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Promote climate related research, modelling and prediction of weather and climate events NFCS ● ● Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type 56 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE VI. Disaster management (cont’d) So u rc e P h ys ic al in ve st m en t H u m an ca p ac it y d ev el o p m en t In st it u ti o n al st re n g th en in g R eg u la to ry m o d ifi ca ti o n s R es ea rc h Le ad a g en cy Programme 2: Improve regulatory frameworks for disaster management Adopt the current disaster risk reduction policy into a comprehensive Disaster Management and Emergency Response Policy NDC ● National Disaster Management Agency Establish the enabling legislative framework to implement the DMD policy and action plan NDC ● National Disaster Management Agency Establish and/or strengthen the high-level National DMD Council (NDMC), in the Office of the Vice President NDC ● National Disaster Management Agency Establish a national disaster management agency as the primary national government agency for disaster management response NDC ● National Disaster Management Agency 5.5 Sector needs and opportunities There are clear needs for the national government to fulfill these priority programmes. All priority sectors will require: • Legislation to integrate adaptation into sector policy, work plans and projects, monitoring and evaluation • Clarification of mandates related to climate change adaptation • Increased law and regulation enforcement • Integrated planning for adaptation across sectors and national and local government • Establishment of technical working groups and focal points to improve coordination, collaboration and information exchange across sectors • Capacity building at the national and local level, especially for women and other marginalized groups • Increased incentives for private sector engagement on adaptation • Increased number of staff and staff capacity • Improved access to information across within and across sectors • Increased funding for adaptation work 5.4 Priority actions by sector, programme and type 57 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN C H A P T E R 6 6.1 Introduction This chapter demonstrates how the NAP priorities are linked to the current medium-term development plans and how the NAP process can serve as an entry point to integrate adaptation into national and local planning processes. These policy linkages help better understand how the NAP is incorporated into the current institutional system. Additionally, this chapter presents the coordination mechanism for the NAP process. 6.2 Linking NAP priorities to the Medium-term National Development Plan The NAP priorities have clear linkages to various clusters in Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTDP) (2019-2023) (Government of Sierra Leone 2019). While the country’s vision for the environment and climate change adaptation is clearly stated in cluster 7 of Sierra Leone’s Medium-term National Development Plan (2019–2023) (Government of Sierra Leone 2019), the NAP includes issues that cross sectors and therefore clusters. This provides an implicit mandate for addressing the priorities in the NAP. Additionally, since the MTDP is explicitly connected to the SDGs, this provides an alignment between the three policies. The linkages between the NAP and MTDP goals are provided in the table below. Institutional arrangements for the NAP process Photo: Sierra Leone, UNICEF 58 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE NAP priorities Selected MTDP goals Linkages to SDGs/Sendai Framework Gender equality and social inclusion, focusing on youth, women and persons with disabilities Cluster 1.5, 5/6 • Empowering women • Increasing social protection • Increasing investment in children and adolescents • Increasing investment in persons with disabilities • Increasing youth employment and empowerment SDG1: No Poverty SDG3: Good Health and Well-being SDG4: Quality Education SDG5 Gender Equality SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG10: Reduced Inequalities SFDRR Target 4: Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services Agriculture and food security Cluster 2.1, 2.7 • Improving productivity and commercialization of the agricultural sector • Promoting an inclusive rural economy SDG2: Zero Hunger SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SFDRR Target 1: Substantially reduce global disaster mortality SFDRR Target 3: Reduce direct disaster economic loss Water resources and energy Accelerating the provision of energy supplies SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy SFDRR Target 4: Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services Coastal zone management, including fisheries and coastal ecosystems Improving productivity and sustainable management of fisheries and the marine sector SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG14: Life Below Water SFDRR Target 1: Substantially reduce global disaster mortality SFDRR Target 3: Reduce direct disaster economic loss Infrastructure, including health, water and sanitation and transportation Cluster 1.3, 1.4, 3 • Transforming transportation systems • Accelerating healthcare delivery • Enhancing environmental sanitation and hygiene • Advancing housing and land management • Improving the water infrastructure systems • Improving information and communication technologies SDG3: Good Health and Well-being SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SFDRR Target 4: Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services Environment, including tourism, land, mineral resources and forestry Cluster 7, Cluster 2.3 • Building national environmental resilience • Revitalizing the tourism sector • Strengthening forest management and wetland conservation • Revitalizing the tourism sector SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG13: Climate Action SDG15: Live on Land Disaster management Cluster 7.3 Improving disaster management governance SDG3: Good Health and Well-being SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SFDRR Target 5: Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local DRR Strategies 59 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN The linkages between the NAP priorities and the MTDP mean that their implementations are mutually supportive. By integrating the NAP into the MTDP activities (see the process described in 7.3), it ensures that development strategies are climate resilient. Since the MTDP directs the actions of MDAs and local councils, this also serves as a path to integrate adaptation into sector and local planning. Specifically, the MTDP is used by MDAs and councils to develop their plans and strategies. These plans and strategies are used to determine budget allocations. Through linking the NAP and the MTDP, it ensures there is budget allocations for adaptation activities and that all local investments are climate sensitive. As the MTDP is planned to be reviewed in 2023, the NAP process and its vulnerability assessments will inform national priorities across sectors, helping to secure development and investment decisions from climate risks. The integration of the NAP into the next round of the MTDP streamlines the planning, budgeting and monitoring and evaluation process. This has many advantages for supporting implementation and ultimately in sustaining adaptation activities. Local councils can then allocate funds for adaptation priorities presented in the NAP. This will also ensure that development finance can be channeled to the local level to address local climate vulnerabilities and climate resilient development, while also being explicitly tied to national policy and monitoring systems. 6.3 Linking NAP to sector and local planning The NAP and its linkages to the MTDP can serve as means to integrate adaptation into existing sector and local planning processes. The current planning process is presented in the graphic below. At each stage, there are clear entry points for the NAP process. Figure 14: NAP process linkages to sector planning processes Strategy development - Government develops a National Development Plan or Sectoral Plan - Each MDA develops a strategy based on needs identified in the national or sectoral strategy - A working group is set up to internally review outputs Approval - MDA financial proposals are harmonized into a national budget - National budget (or supplementary budget for any additional proposals) is presented to Parliament for review and approval - Financial proposal/budget is approved wholesale or amended Implementation - Activities are implemented - Partnerships with actors working on different scales are explored - Media sessions are held to give public exposure to implementation processes Monitoring and reporting - Activities implemented by MDAs are periodically monitored by donors, relevant parliamentary oversight committees, special M&E units at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and Office of the President/Vice President - Reports are generated before the start of the next funding cycle Budgeting - Needs identified in implementation plan are costed in the national annual budget - Activities are prioritized based on thematic areas identified by the government The budget is defended by MDA heads or designated committees to a panel set up by the Ministry of Finance Implementation planning - Site-specific plans are developed based on strategy proposed by the MDAs - Resource mobilization, communication/stakeholder engagement, financial management, and mainstreaming plans or approaches are proposed in the implementation plan 60 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 6.4 NAP entry points at each stage of the policy process Strategy development • Support the identification of information needs with agricultural, marine, aviation, hydrological and climatological data services. • Apply risk and vulnerability assessments and socio-economic scenarios in a regular manner. • Develop spatial planning maps incorporating climate risk, hazards, key infrastructure, social and demographic data. • Prioritize adaptation into sector and local strategies, plans and budgets at the strategic and planning levels. • Discuss how to link sector strategies across sectors. Implementation planning • Identify adaptation options to support scaling up in a systematic and structured way. • Integrate economic appraisal of projects and programmes. • Prioritize programmes for example, using multi-criteria and economic tools. • Develop centralized planning/screening guidelines for climate change and disaster risk reduction and integrate into official templates. • Develop gender checklists and gender responsive criteria. • Identify adaptation indicators and targets. • Develop realistic financing plans. • Engage donors to fund adaptation priority programmes. Approval • Apply centralized planning/screening guidelines for climate change and disaster risk reduction. Budgeting • Identify costing adaptation options. • Prioritize adaptation activities. Implementation • Integrate new climate information to tailor implementation strategy. • Inform public about linkages between project and climate impacts. • Build capacity of implementors to better understand linkages between adaptation and their work. Monitoring and reporting • Track national progress towards adaptation targets. • Integrate adaptation into national M&E systems. • Report on adaptation at national and international levels. • Collect data for measuring adaptation baselines and performance. 61 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN • Support finance, technology transfer and capacity building. • Contribute to systemic and iterative national adaptation planning. • Generate climate and disaster data in real time. • Train CSOs to monitor climate change adaptation projects implemented by MDAs. 6.5 Non-governmental stakeholders and their roles Non-governmental stakeholders play an important role in planning, implementing and monitoring and evaluating the NAP. Through a collaborative and inclusive approach, the NAP has ownership and support across sectors and communities. More specific roles within coordination bodies and suggested organization in the next section; • Civil society organizations (CSOs). The NAP process in Sierra Leone will actively engage CSOs in planning, advocacy, education, awareness raising, evidence-based research, and M&E of adaptation efforts. This will include women rights and youth organizations. • Academia and research institutions. This group can conduct research on climate change adaptation, vulnerability and resilience. Research should align its focus areas with adaptation priorities, so that its impact on adaptation action is as direct as possible. This includes improving the understanding of climate change impacts on the population and the environment, as well as developing partnerships with Government entities and communities to conduct adaptation that addresses adaptation needs in Sierra Leone. • Private sector. Businesses can support the case for private sector investment in adapta- tion and finance and incentivize adaptation actions. The private sector can also be an engine for empowering women-led enterprises and women entrepreneurs. • Development partners. Sierra Leone’s NAP process recognizes the role of the international community, especially development partners, as critical for resource mobilization, capacity development, technology development and transfer for current and future adaptation actions. • Traditional and religious leaders. These leaders have an important role in society and can promote climate change adaptation practices. • Media. Media can build awareness around adaptation and climate change, share stories of adaptation actions to spur actions and provide avenues for learning about adaptation inside and outside the country. • Public. The public has a vital role to play in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the NAP and adaptation interventions to enhance their adaptive capacity and resilience to climate shocks. 6.6 Institutional framework coordination mechanisms The institutional framework below builds on the plan from the NAP Framework. At the top, it includes a Parliamentary Committee (PC) and an Inter-ministerial Committee (IC). These two committees will be created to gain the political and legislative support needed for implementing the NAP. The IC is co-chaired by the Ministries of the Environment and Finance. Ministers or their designees will come from priority sectors. The IC will provide policy oversight, coordination and resource mobilization for the NAP. The PC is chaired by the head of the Environment Committee in the House of Parliament. Its members comprise leaders and secretaries of the parliamentary committees identified. The PC provides legislative support and oversight, monitoring and evaluation, policy advocacy and public outreach. 62 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE The IC and PC will oversee the National Steering Committee (NSC). Chaired by the Environment Protection Agency, the NSC will include departments and agencies of government from the priority sectors. The NSC roles include overall coordination of NAP implementation, define policies and strategies, resource mobilization, ensure policy coherence, lead adaptation planning and drive the ownership of the NAP process. A Scientific and Technical Advisory Taskforce will provide technical support and advisory services to the NSC and the consultative committees. This includes data gathering and analysis, advising the NSC and consultative committees on data gathering and dissemination best practices, define, identify and conduct research to support adaptation actions for vulnerable groups including women, people with disabilities, children and the elderly. The Taskforce will also develop processes for information sharing and collection of lessons learned, coordinate bilateral and multilateral assistance and link with municipalities and support actions on sectoral priorities. There are three consultative committees: 1) the private sector consultative group; 2) local councils, communities and civil society consultative group; and 3) development partner consultative group. The three committees provide policy and implementation advice the steering committee on relevant issues and build support for NAP implementation through activities such as research, capacity building and awareness raising. Figure 15: NAP process implementation arrangements National Steering Committee Interministerial Committee Parliamentary Committee Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee Private Sector Consultative Group Local Councils, Communities and CSOs Consultative Group Development Partners Consultative Group 63 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Proposed members of committees and roles Group Members Roles and responsibilities Inter-ministerial Committee All ministries covering priority sectors identified for the NAP (and those that are cross-cutting) Chair: Vice President Co-Chair: To be determined • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry • Ministry of Youth Affairs • Ministry of Gender • Ministry of Planning and Economic Development • Ministry of Finance • Ministry of Social Welfare • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources • Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources • Ministry of Tourism and Culture • Ministry of Transport and Aviation • Ministry of Water Resources • Ministry of Works and Public Assets • Ministry of Energy Policy oversight Coordination Resource mobilization Parliamentary Committee Heads and Secretaries of Parliamentary Committees on: • Environment • Transparency and accountability • Finance • Planning • Legislation • Representative of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Legislative support and oversight Monitoring and evaluation Policy advocacy Public outreach National Steering Committee Environment Protection Agency National Protected Area Authority Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) National Tourist Board (NTB) Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC) Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Forestry Division Office of National Security (ONS) National Fire Force (NFF) Overall coordination of NAP implementation Define policies and strategies Resource mobilisation Ensuring policy coherence Lead adaptation planning across sectors and levels Drive ownership of NAP process 64 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Group Members Roles and responsibilities Scientific and Technical Advisory Taskforce (STAT) Universities Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) Environment Protection Agency (EPA) National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG) Data gathering and analysis Advise the steering committee on relevant issues Review data gathered from different sources and advise on fit with broader NAP activities Advise sub-structures on data gathering and dissemination best practices Define/identify vulnerable groups (women, PWD, youth, elderly, etc.) Information sharing (institutionalise lesson learned) Coordinate bilateral and multilateral assistance and link with municipalities Define sectoral priorities for adaptation Private Sector Consultative Group Water packaging companies (e.g., Grafton, Luvian, etc) Fertilizer producers Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board Chamber of commerce and industry Chamber of Agribusiness Sierra Leone Association of Insurance Companies Association of Commercial Banks Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone (REASL) Small Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA) Sierra Leone Water Company Guma Valley Water Company Addax Bioenergy Ltd (Sunbird) Miro Forestry Ltd Kingho Mining Chamber of Mines Leadway enterprises Hotel Association of Sierra Leone Telecom companies Sierra Leone Artisanal Fishermen Union Sierra Leone Timber Association SELI hydropower Information dissemination Financial support/financing Knowledge transfer Supporting the integration of adaptive practices to increase the private sector resilience (climate proof investments, climate-related insurance, etc.) Advisory services 65 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Group Members Roles and responsibilities Local Councils, Communities and CSOs Consultative Group Local Councils Coalition of CSOs Climate Change, Environment, and Forestry Consortium (CEFCON) Sierra Leone Alliance Against Hunger Campaign for Good Governance Marine Watch WONES Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA) Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) Sierra Leone Muslim Congress (SLMC) Sierra Leone Labor Congress (SLLC) WASH Network (WASHNet) Sierra Leone Union for Disability Issues (SLUDI) PACJA Green Scenery Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) Environmental Forum for Action (ECFORAC) 50-50 Group Advocacy Awareness raising and outreach Resource mobilization Capacity building Research/M&E Networking Development Partners Consultative Group UN Development Programme (UNDP) US Agency for International Development (USAID) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Health Organization (WHO) German International Cooperation (GIZ) Irish Aid World Bank Group (WBG) African Development Bank (AfDB) European Union (EU) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Department for International Development (DFID) Islamic Development Bank (IDB) UN Environnent Programme (UNEP) United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Union (AU) UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) China Aid Resource mobilisation Technical support including supporting GCF Readiness for adaptation and GCF direct access Knowledge transfer 66 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE 6.7 Recommendations There are several priorities with respect to improving the NAP process that should be addressed. • Determine clear legal pathway to incorporate guidance and recommendations from the NAP into sector and local planning and budgeting processes, and to implement the priorities described in the NAP. • Set legal guidance for clear mandate and roles for the various agencies working on climate change. • Establish a data sharing agreement between all responsible agencies to enable information sharing and knowledge exchange in a transparent and participatory manner. • Align NAP process with current and future development plans, to strengthen ownership and contribution from institutions responsible for national development planning and budgeting. • Increase coordination roles of the Ministry of Environment in climate change adaptation. This includes convening government and non-government stakeholders, supporting capacity building and information exchange and building a shared understanding of policy, project and programme implementation goals. • Establish the institutional system presented in this chapter. • Appoint and provide capacity building support to sectoral focal points and sectoral adaptation teams, which will guide the process of mainstreaming climate change adaptation and implementation of the NAP within sectors. Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 67 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN C H A P T E R 7 7.1 Introduction This chapter presents the next steps in the NAP process, including a roadmap with key activities and an implementation plan. The next steps will lead to subsequent versions of a NAP and its implementation. 7.2 NAP process roadmap The NAP priorities have clear linkages to various clusters in Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTDP) (2019-2023) (Government of Sierra Leone 2019). While the country’s vision for the environment and climate change adaptation is clearly stated in cluster 7 of Sierra Leone’s Medium-term National Development Plan (2019–2023) (Government of Sierra Leone 2019), the NAP includes issues that cross sectors and therefore clusters. This provides an implicit mandate for addressing the priorities in the NAP. Additionally, since the MTDP is explicitly connected to the SDGs, this provides an alignment between the three policies. The linkages between the NAP and MTDP goals are provided in the table below. 2021 • Validation of initial NAP • Submission of initial NAP to UNFCCC • Validation of National Framework for Climate Services, informing NAP and NDC review • Two NSC meetings to plan for the NAP process • Formalized steering and interagency coordination groups • Regional consultations on NAP and NDC review process • Finalization of National Electrification Plan (to inform NAP and NDC review) • Finalization of NDC review (NAP to inform review) • Validation of revised NDC • Review of National Climate Change Adaptation Plan • Review of National Climate Change Adaptation Policy Next steps Photo: Sierra Leone, UNICEF 68 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE • Conduct a gender analysis • Hold consultations on GCF NAP Readiness Grant • GCF NAP Readiness application submitted • Work on integrating climate change into the education curriculum (2021-2022) 2022 • Receive GCF Readiness grant (Q2) (18-24 months implementation) • Conduct vulnerability and risk assessments • Produce institutional and human capacity needs assessment and strengthening plan • Hold stakeholder consultations • Identify adaptation options • Apply stakeholder inclusive prioritization process to identify specific adaptation options • Formulate concept notes, implementation arrangements, initial cost estimates and financing structures for prioritized adaptation options • Formulate monitoring and evaluation framework for the NAP process 2023 • Develop Medium-term National Development Plan (2024-2029) • Prepare full NAP • Validate NAP 2024-2029 • Begin NAP priority programme Implementation • Share 4th National Communications (NAP data to inform NC4) • Begin PRSP5/Medium-term National Development Plan (2024-2029) • Integrate adaptation into national, sector and local planning and budgeting (2025) 7.3 Implementation strategy: actions and needs The actions identified in the NAP require substantial financial resources, investment, technology development and transfer, and capacity building. International cooperation is an important and prerequisite for leveraging of inputs for the implementation of the NAP. Capacity development Institutions and communities involved have skills that are essential for the NAP process. These capacities, which are found within specialized Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), state corporations, private sector, research and learning institutions will be utilized in the planning and implementation of the NAP. There are, however, gaps in capacity development and a need for further learning and support, as detailed in the previous chapters. There is a need for support for cooperation across the government and internationally, including south-south cooperation, regional cooperation, bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Additional effort will be focused on implementation of a climate curriculum, technical training programmes and building south-south exchange and learning programmes. Identification of specific adaptation options This initial NAP has compiled priorities from strategies, policies and plans related to climate change adaptation, synthesizing Sierra Leone’s key adaptation priorities. However, these priorities are currently high-level objectives and therefore, further refining will be necessary. 69 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN As part of the formulation of the full NAP, Sierra Leone will engage in a process whereby sectoral groups identify a range of possible actions for achieving each of the adaptation priorities listed in this Initial NAP. These options will be prioritized into specific actions that are appropriate for the Sierra Leone context and are aligned to resource availability. Subsequently, these final priorities will be elaborated into concept notes that inform detailed project design processes, including basic climate rationale, theory of change, and draft implementation arrangements. Subsequent consultations and analysis will allow for these concepts to be matched to a range of diverse financing options. The development of initial concept notes will also help to inform the full NAP’s monitoring and evaluation framework (see below). Mobilization of finance The priorities included in this document provide projects for public, private, international and national funding. While the costs for this plan cannot be calculated at this stage, there are a few documents that provide an estimate. For example, the NDC expenditure commitment estimates US$ 900 million for most of the financing needed for adaptation. There are also cost estimates outlined in the MTDP (2019-2023). The total costs for all the priorities that are linked between the NAP and MTDP is approximately $3 billion for a five-year period. The section, ‘Addressing vulnerabilities and building resilience’ includes $96.38 million in costs for five years. Further analysis will need to be conducted for a more accurate costing estimation. It is planned for GCF to significantly finance the NAP’s adaptation measures, given that Sierra Leone is a sub-Saharan African LDC, and a priority country for the GCF. To ensure that Sierra Leone is well placed to access GCF financing, the concept notes developed based on prioritized actions will be informed by GCF requirements. Two financing goals have been set out for the NAP: 1. Establish a National Trust Fund for channeling adaptation support across sectors 2. Direct 40 percent of international development funding toward adaptation priorities across different sectors Stakeholder Involvement Subsequent planning and implementation of the NAP will continue to adopt a collaborative and adaptive learning approach by incorporating inputs from consultative groups. The NAP will ensure strong involvement of all stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, private sector, universities, community-based organization, women’s rights organizations and development partners. Communication strategy A climate change communications strategy under the NAP has been developed. This includes detailed information on targeted messages and is an essential for developing and implementing the NAP. 70 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Monitoring and evaluation, learning and reporting A framework for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) needs to be developed to support learning, accountability, transparency and reporting. This M&E framework is tentatively scheduled to be formulated in 2022, contingent on the availability of financial and technical support. The M&E framework will include concrete targets for tracking progress against the NAP’s objectives described in Chapter 1. This system needs to be integrated between local and national governments. As the NAP is a working document, there needs to be a system in place to integrate lessons over time. Additionally, there also needs to be a platform created for knowledge sharing and information exchange. This will require the development of a data sharing policy, which will ensure data exchange between sectors, and between public and private institutions. Photo: Government of Sierra Leone 71 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN AfDB (2020). Africa Infrastructure Development Index (AIDI). Africa Infrastructure Knowledge Program. http://infrastructureafrica.opendataforafrica.org/rscznob/africa-infrastructure-devel- opment-index-aidi-2020. AfDB (2019). Sierra Leone Economic Outlook. https://www.afdb.org/en/countries-west-afri- ca-sierra-leone/sierra-leone-economic-outlook. AfDB (2020) African Economic Outlook 2020: Supplement Amid Covid-19. https://www.afdb. org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/afdb20-04 aeo supplement full report for web 0705.pdf#page=60. Alexander, L.V. and N. Herold (2015). ClimPACTv2 Indices and Software. A document prepared on behalf of the Commission for Climatology (CCl) Expert Team on Sector-specific Climate Indices (ET-SCI). https://climpact-sci.org/assets/climpact2-user-guide.pdf Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) (2017). ERA5: Fifth generation of ECMWF atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate. Copernicus Climate Change Service Climate Data Store (CDS). 10 June 2020. https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/cdsapp#!/home. EPA-SL (2015). Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for Sierra Leone. Government of Sierra Leone (2007a). Initial National Communication of Sierra Leone to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 2007b). National Adaptation Plan of Action. 2012a). National Climate Change Policy Framework Document. Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone. 2012b). Second National Communication of Sierra Leone to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 2015a). National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone. 2015b). Sierra Leone’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone. 2018). Third National Communication of Sierra Leone to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 2019). Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023), vol. 1. Harris, I., et al. (2020). Version 4 of the CRU TS monthly high-resolution gridded multivariate climate dataset. Scientific Data 7, No.109. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3. References 72 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Mabey, P. T., et al. (2020). Environmental Impacts: Local Perspectives of Selected Mining Edge Communities in Sierra Leone. Sustainability, vol. 12, No.14: 5525. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su12145525. McSweeney, C., M. New and G. Lizcano (2010). UNDP Climate Change Country Profiles: Sierra Leone. UNDP. https://www.geog.ox.ac.uk/research/climate/projects/undp-cp/UNDP reports/ Sierra Leone/Sierra Leone.hires.report.pdf. ND-GAIN (2018). Sierra Leone Country Ranking. https://gain.nd.edu/our-work/country-index/ rankings/. Office of the Chief Minister, Government of Sierra Leone (2019). National Reforestation and Timber Governance Policy: Policy for the Establishement of a National Reforestation and Timber Governance Agency (NARTGA). SMHI. Climate Information. https://climateinformation.org/. Accessed 22 January 2021. United Nations. 2014. Map of Sierra Leone. Department of Field Support, Cartographic Section. https://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/sierrale.pdf. UNDP (2020a). Human Development Reports 2020. http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/latest-hu- man-development-index-ranking. (2020b). Human Development Reports 2020. http://hdr.undp.org/en/countries/ profiles/SLE. USAID (2016). Climate Risk Profile Sierra Leone. https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/ climate-risk-profile-sierra-leone. Vazquez-Aguirre, J.L., C, Villa-Falfán and M, Guillen-Cadena (2021). Using the temperature ERA5 reanalysis for the calculation of sector-specific climate indices (Climpact3) for Sierra Leone. Personal communication, 4 February 2021. WA BiCC. 2017. Sierra Leone Coastal Vulnerability Assessment: A Report on the Vulnerability of Ecosystems and Communities in Mangrove Areas. West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change, CIESIN. (2019). Climate Change Adaptation Plan: A Priorities Plan for the Sierra Leone Coastal Landscape Complex. World Bank (2017). Sierra Leone: Rapid Damage and Loss Assessment of August 14th, 2017 Landslide and Floods in the Western Area (24 August 2017 - 8 September 2017). (2018). Sierra Leone Multi-City Hazard Review and Risk Assessment. WMO (2019). World Meteorological Organization Country Profile Database: Sierra Leone. https://community.wmo.int/members/sle. WMO (2020). State of the Climate in Africa 2019. No. 1253. CH 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland. ISBN 978-92-63-11253-8, pp. 37. 73 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Bo District Council Bombali District Council Bonthe District Council Christian Association for Sierra Leone Climate Change, Environment and Forestry Consortium (CEFCON) Coastal Resources Management Department Conservation Society for Sierra Leone Conservation Trust Fund Disaster Management Department/Office of National Security Environment Protection Agency Freetown City Council Inter Religious Council Sierra Leone (IRC) Kambia District Council Kenema District Council Kingho Mining Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Ministry of Energy Ministry of Environment Ministry of Finance Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry of Health and Sanitation Ministry of Lands and Housing Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Ministry of Trades and Industries Ministry of Works and Public Assets Ministry of Youth Affairs Moyamba District Council National Commission on Social Action National Protected Area Authority National Tourist Board National Water Resources Management Agency Port Loko District Council Pujehun District Council Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Sierra Leone Roads Authority Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre Statistics Sierra Leone United Nations Development Programme, Sierra Leone WeGo Logistics Western Area District Council Annex 1: Stakeholder Consultation and Reviewer List 74 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE International reviewer list Least Developed Countries Expert Group United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change NAP Global Network National Adaptation Plan Global Support Programme United Nations Development Programme World Meteorological Agency Photo: Sierra Leone, UNICEF 75 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Annex 2: : Priority sector SWOT analysis Agriculture and food security Strengths Existence of relevant policies, including National Agricultural Transformation Strategy, developed Availability of human resources Environmental NGOs implementing climate change adaptation process Ongoing agricultural investments by district councils Increased capacity building support for farmers and Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) Increased access to finance for agribusiness Increasing access to finance due to the establishment of Agricultural Business Centers and Financial Service Associations Women benefiting from microcredit and cash for work projects Weaknesses/gaps Limited institutional capacity Inadequate capacity at farm level Need for stronger rural extensions services that can provide guidance on climate risks and adaptation options Opportunities Potential for accrediting Ministry of Finance as a Green Climate Fund National Designated Authority The availability of diverse funding sources Organizations and projects working on cross-sector priorities, including women in agriculture (GOSL), youth in agriculture (GOSL/Ministry of Youth Affairs) and promoting effective engagement in agribusiness for women’s cooperatives in Sierra Leone (FAO project) Threats Conflicting mandates of government agencies responsible for forestry (e.g., among the Forestry Division, National Protected Area Authority, and NaRTGA for timber governance) Bureaucracy in accessing funds Emergence of new strains of pests & diseases Water resources and energy Strengths Climate change and adaptation is captured in NWRMA’s 5 Year strategic development plan and includes a budget Adaptation elements are captured in annual work plans and NWRMA’s 5-year strategic development plan Training in developing resilient water resources and energy structures Political incentives (tax reduction) for renewable energy investments Availability of hydrological monitoring equipment Key staff employed Weaknesses/gaps The Ministry of Water Resources does not capture climate change in its policy oversight functions Limited awareness of, and attitude concern towards, climate risks in the sector Fewer women in leadership roles in the sector Limited training opportunities for women and other marginalized groups Opportunities Strong political support for sustainable water resources management and renewable energy dissemination Increasing attention on water resources management and energy efficiency issues Donor commitment to support water resources management and new energy sector activities Development of multi-agency programmes and projects Sustained stakeholder and media engagement Summary and baseline reports on off-grid energy interventions Planning unit being set up at the Ministry of Energy by the Millennium Challenge Coordinating Unit The following section analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, gaps and opportunities for each of the priority sectors. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) information has been integrated into each sector. 76 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Water resources and energy (cont’d) Opportunities (cont’d) Existence of various working groups in the energy sector Increasing focus on GESI issues in off-grid solar energy strategy and monitoring mechanism developed by the Africa Clean Energy Technical Assistance Facility Gender mainstreaming supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) initiatives for regulatory support Threats Pressure for land leading to the destruction of critical watersheds and catchments Increasing pressure on water resources from the growing population Insufficient knowledge of water resources management among stakeholders Limited capacity for mainstreaming climate change into energy projects Limited financing for off-grid renewable energy interventions Non-compliance with the rules and regulations by some stakeholders Inadequate and untimely release of budgetary allocations to implement programmes Cross-cutting priority: Hard and soft infrastructure Strengths Policy foundation including five-year strategic plan (with adaptation features not expressly stated) Existence of various project proposals and plans (with adaptation components) on Water Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (WASH) Donor project appraisal documents with climate change considerations (such as the Project Appraisal Document for the transport project supported by the World Bank) Existence of environmental units for environmental safeguard compliance Mandatory safeguard compliance for donor support to infrastructure projects Draft building-code policy and guidelines for resettlement developed by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority Introduction of green building designs Increasing support to the Civil Aviation Authority to meet international (International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other) standards Strong support for WASH by the donor community Awareness-raising among practicing engineers Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments including climate change components for all infrastructure projects WASH facilities are mostly disabled-friendly 3-towns WASH project gave greater attention to marginalized groups and disadvantaged communities Weaknesses/gaps Annual work plans developed by SLRA (for road works), Ministry of Works and Public Assets, Road Maintenance Fund Administration, and Ministry of Transport and Aviation do not include resilience and adaptation components Limited capacity for mainstreaming climate change considerations into infrastructure projects Sierra Leone Housing Corporation near-defunct 77 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Cross-cutting priority: Hard and soft infrastructure (cont’d) Opportunities Implement plans and policies developed for WASH, waste management, and environmental health Non-state actors to provide budgetary support for resilient infrastructure projects (e.g., resilient housing in disaster prone informal settlements, etc.) Various consortia supporting WASH interventions at community level Ongoing trainings provided by the World Bank may increase knowledge for adaptation planning New projects with adaptation components (e.g., Resilient Urban Sierra Leone project funded by the World Bank) could build capacity for adaptation planning Development of a national resettlement policy Increasing risk awareness and support for resilient housing following the mudslide that occurred in 2017 Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards may increase opportunities for funding Continued support for ecological sanitation by the GEF Small Grants Programme and Department for International Development Active labor unions can provide effective platforms for knowledge sharing Devolution of roads to municipal councils could increase commitment to adaptation planning High Civil Society Organisation (CSO) involvement in project design and delivery Child-centered climate change programming by various organizations Integrate climate change into Community-led Total Sanitation projects GESI mainstreaming receiving increasing focus by donors of infrastructure projects Threats Rapidly failing roads and buildings and risk of disasters is high Denial among technical staff of the impacts of climate change on infrastructure Limited capacity for adaptation planning and mainstreaming Unclear roles and responsibilities Coastal zone management Strengths Policy framework: Marine Resources Act, Draft Wetland Conservation Act New marine-protected areas to be designated Increasing support for ecotourism across coastal communities Increasing risk awareness Increasing mangrove restoration efforts Many trainings organized to strengthen the capabilities of councils, CSOs, and Community Based Organisations for effective coastal resources management Regular State of the Environment Report done by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), providing a basis for planning and delivery Coastal resilience project supporting data collection on coastal communities and fisheries practices Weaknesses/gaps Limited capacity for research and project implementation at the National Protected Area Authority No clear plans and strategies proposed for coastal conservation by the National Protected Area Agency Fragmented decision-making by the Ministry of Fisheries, EPA, NPAA, and donor agencies The Wetlands Act is still a draft and not enforceable Co-management plans have been developed for few marine-protected areas Mangrove management planning needs further support in protecting MPAs Need to pass draft forestry, wildlife conservation and wetland conservation laws Limited financing for community-driven interventions 78 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Coastal zone management (cont’d) Opportunities Delivery of the Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Plan Formation of the Coastal Chiefs Natural Resources Management Network Formation of a Co-Management Committee for implementing plans developed for the Sherbro River Estuary Participatory rural appraisal of coastal communities can inform future adaptation planning Ongoing planning for the Mangrove for Life project supported by the European Union and to be implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Wetlands International Africa Ongoing community embankment initiatives supported by USAID Resource mobilization plan developed for the Sherbro River Estuary Co-Management Committee by WA BiCC Threats Low compliance with national laws Acute rate of mangrove forest degradation Rising water level, sedimentation and flooding Ineffective coastal governance structures (in terms of behavior change, communications, monitoring, and resource mobilization) Coastline development proposed by the government could reverse conservation gains made over the years Environment (including forestry, land, mineral resources and tourism) Strengths Policy formulation and implementation including new policy for timber governance and reforestation Proposed structures for drought management, land reform, and land degradation neutrality High involvement of external stakeholders Community readiness to implement forest conservation measures Ongoing Sustainable Development Goal 15.3 assessments/reporting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) 4 directorates established by the Ministry of the Environment (established by the presidency in 2019) Establishment of a Land Commission Devolution of land permits to municipality councils National Reforestation and Timber Governance Agency to be established Increasing support by donors and private sector institutions for tourism Development of a national strategy for tourism development Weaknesses/gaps For ministries, departments or agencies undertaking research, recommendations are not adequately implemented No resource mobilization strategy Agencies implementing initiatives belong to different ministries in different (non- environmental) sectors Opportunities International networking and coordination mechanisms Diverse funding sources Political support (new Ministry of the Environment established) Growing donor support Establishment of environmental court Threats Increasing demand for forest (wood and non-wood) products Increasing demand for forestland for agricultural purposes Rapid rural-urban migration Environmental degradation and climate change Non-compliance with Multilateral Environmental Agreements 79 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Disaster Management Strengths Existence of disaster management institutions at national and subnational level Cross-level interaction for disaster management (between policy and local-level institutions such as municipal councils) National Disaster Management Agency established Emergency operations center to be established by the World Bank The Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Policy is being revised National emergency response plan is being developed Cross-institutional platforms being developed for data sharing Increasing donor support to disaster resilience projects Capacity needs-assessment of Disaster Management Department has been done to support ongoing investment planning process Regular stakeholder meetings and collaborative planning across municipal and national levels Weaknesses/gaps No resource mobilization plan Difficulty for community structures to access funding Poor coordination and networking Limited policy learning and evaluation Limited capacity for attributing activities to disaster management outcomes Limited capacity for policy development and resource mobilization Disaster management seasonal (only a priority when disaster events occur) Lack of harmonized DRM messaging to affected communities Limited visibility of adaptation projects High donor dependence Opportunities Ongoing improvements to early warning The World Bank is developing an investment plan for the sector Stand-alone disaster management agency to be established by the government Increased donor support for disaster resilience building and risk awareness raising Threats Outdated policy frameworks Limited government buy-in; disaster management is not a priority unless events occur Fragmented institutional approaches (competing interests) 80 GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE Photo: Sierra Leone, UNICEF 81 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN Women’s Network for Environmental Sustainability (WONES)