Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, led a high-level delegation on a field visit to Lakka and Number 2 Beach as part of efforts to foster partnerships with coastal communities. The visit, which included senior management from the Ministry, the Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, and the Monuments and Relics Commission, underscored the government’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices and the protection of the country’s prime touristic beaches.
During the engagement, discussions with community stakeholders focused on key environmental challenges, including the detrimental effects of sand mining, waste management concerns, and the need for enhanced safety and security at these popular tourist sites. At Lakka Beach, Minister Tunis and her team witnessed firsthand the severe degradation caused by unchecked sand mining, a problem also evident at Number 2 Beach.
Addressing community members, Minister Tunis emphasized the urgent need for eco-conscious practices to mitigate environmental damage and preserve these natural assets for tourism development. She called on local leaders to collaborate in implementing sustainable measures that align with the government’s broader vision for ecotourism.
This initiative is part of the Ministry’s 2025 Year of Ecotourism agenda, which seeks to promote responsible tourism while safeguarding Sierra Leone’s coastal and natural heritage. By engaging directly with stakeholders, the Ministry aims to reinforce conservation efforts and establish long-term solutions for environmental sustainability.
