Women Leading Climate Resilience Efforts in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, is tackling severe climate challenges following deforestation and a deadly mudslide. Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change is compounded by poverty; however, initiatives such as appointing Africa’s first chief heat officer and planting over 1.2 million trees reflect a commitment to environmental restoration and cultural heritage.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, witnessed the dire effects of deforestation on her city as the Ebola epidemic subsided. Observing tree loss firsthand, she expressed her sorrow: “I literally parked my car and wept.” The environmental crisis led to severe mudslides in 2017 that resulted in over a thousand fatalities, emphasizing the urgency of climate action in the region.

Sierra Leone, one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, faces immense challenges due to poverty. Aki-Sawyerr, who previously campaigned against blood diamonds and founded a charity for war-affected women and children, remains optimistic: “Things that aren’t right don’t need to stay that way.” Her leadership brings renewed hope for a better future.

Having returned to Freetown after a career in finance and property development, she has focused on tackling climate issues as mayor. Aki-Sawyerr appointed Eugenia Kargbo as Africa’s first chief heat officer to help citizens cope with extreme temperatures. Kargbo has initiated projects such as constructing shaded canopies for market vendors and testing heat-resistant materials for temporary shelters.

In response to climate challenges, Freetown has made strides in reforestation, planting over 1.2 million trees in five years, with a survival rate of 82 percent. Known as Freetown the Tree Town, this initiative not only provides shade but also serves as protection against mudslides.

Aki-Sawyerr cherishes the cultural significance of trees, recalling the tradition of planting a tree with a newborn’s umbilical cord to foster a connection to the land. She advocates for reviving these customs in hopes that future generations may reconnect with their heritage: “Just bringing that tradition back is something very powerful.”

The efforts led by Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and her team highlight a proactive approach to combat the climate crisis in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Through reforestation initiatives and the appointment of a chief heat officer, progress is being made despite facing evident challenges. Aki-Sawyerr’s commitment to integrating cultural traditions with environmental practices offers a holistic solution to fostering community resilience in the face of climate change.

Original Source: www.nationalgeographic.com