Background and Rationale

Communities living along Sierra Leone’s coast face increasing risks from climate change, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures. These challenges threaten livelihoods, food security, access to water, and the wellbeing of vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and youth.

The Sierra Leone Coastal Resilience Project seeks to address these risks by strengthening community resilience, restoring critical ecosystems, and improving adaptive capacity. By integrating environmental protection, livelihood support, and community governance, the project aims to build sustainable and climate-resilient communities.

Project Goal

To strengthen the resilience of coastal communities to climate change and improve livelihoods, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

The project will directly benefit approximately 260,000 people and indirectly benefit over one million people across 75 coastal communities. Beneficiaries include women, youth, children, farmers, fishers, and vulnerable households.

Objectives

The project focuses on three key objectives. 

1. Strengthen governance and community capacity for climate adaptation at local and national levels.
2. Improve livelihoods and economic security through climate-resilient practices and financial inclusion.
3. Promote ecosystem-based adaptation through restoration and sustainable management of natural resources.

Key Interventions

The project will strengthen governance systems by establishing community adaptation committees and integrating climate adaptation into local planning processes. It will improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services through climate-resilient infrastructure and promote disaster preparedness and climate education in schools.

Livelihood interventions will support farmers and fishers with climate-smart practices, strengthen value chains, improve market access, and establish Village Savings and Loan Associations to enhance financial inclusion.

The project will also focus on ecosystem-based adaptation by restoring and protecting mangrove forests, promoting sustainable resource use, and introducing alternative energy solutions to reduce environmental degradation.

Expected Results

The project is expected to strengthen local governance and community capacity for climate action, improve livelihoods and food security, and restore critical ecosystems. It will enhance resilience to climate risks, increase economic opportunities, and improve overall wellbeing in coastal communities.

Approach

The project adopts an integrated, multi-level approach that combines community engagement, system strengthening, and ecosystem restoration. By working across national, district, and community levels, it ensures coordinated and sustainable climate adaptation efforts.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The project will use participatory and data-driven monitoring systems to track progress and outcomes. Community feedback, performance indicators, and regular assessments will guide implementation and ensure accountability.

Partnerships

The project is implemented through collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency, Save the Children, and local partners, with strong engagement from communities and local authorities.

Sustainability

The project strengthens local institutions, promotes community ownership, and builds long-term capacity for climate adaptation. By integrating climate resilience into governance systems and livelihoods, it ensures sustained impact beyond the project period.