Date: 14 August 2025
Location: Kotomahun, Koya Chiefdom, Sierra Leone
Yesterday, during an unannounced routine check in one of the community forests in Kambui South, our team uncovered alarming signs of environmental destruction. This section of the forest, located in Kotomahun, Koya Chiefdom, is under severe threat from illegal activities.
Our field team discovered both old and newly dug alluvial gold mining pits scattered throughout the forest. Disturbingly, we encountered a group of young people actively dredging for gold deep within the forest reserve. This activity not only violates environmental protection regulations but also endangers the ecosystem and the community’s long-term livelihood.
In addition to mining, we observed that parts of the forest have been cleared for farming. Such deforestation fragments wildlife habitat, accelerates soil erosion, and undermines ongoing conservation efforts in the Kambui Hills.
The Kambui South Forest is one of Sierra Leone’s important biodiversity hotspots, home to unique flora and fauna, and provides essential ecosystem services, including clean water, carbon storage, and climate regulation. Illegal mining and deforestation threaten to strip the forest of these vital functions.
We call on relevant authorities, community leaders, and all stakeholders to take immediate action to halt these activities and protect the Kambui South Forest. Strengthening enforcement, promoting alternative livelihoods, and increasing environmental awareness are critical to ensuring this forest remains a heritage for future generations.
Photo evidence from the site visit clearly shows the scale of the damage and underscores the urgent need for intervention.