Strengthening Environmental Legislation in Sierra Leone: Addressing Environmental Crimes and Promoting Sustainable Development

Abstract

Sierra Leone faces an environmental crisis due to inadequate legislation leading to environmental crimes such as illegal mining, timber logging, and waste dumping. These challenges have detrimental effects on the environment, public health, and sustainable development. The current legal framework, including the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 and the Environmental Protection Agency Act of 2008, falls short of addressing these issues effectively. This study emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen environmental legislation in Sierra Leone. Through library studies and content analyses of international conventions, statutes, and legislations, the study suggests that a strong legal framework can be developed to mitigate environmental degradation, health crisis, and deteriorating living conditions. Robust enforcement mechanisms and institutional transparency are crucial to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. The consequences of the regulatory gap are profound, with mining companies operating without accountability, leading to environmental degradation and community displacement. Improper waste disposal worsens health issues. Lack of transparency in political institutions undermines enforcement, leaving affected communities with diminished quality of life and uncertain resettlement status. Prioritizing strengthening environmental legislation will safeguard communities, preserve natural resources, and foster a healthier and sustainable future. Efforts must include effective investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes, transparency, and public participation. Sierra Leone can overcome the environmental crisis and progress towards sustainable development by establishing a more robust and accountable legal and regulatory framework.