Protecting Mangroves and Strengthening Livelihoods in Coastal Sierra Leone

Project aims
Key facts and figures
What was the problem the project set out to address?
What did the project do to address this?
Challenges and lessons learned
Conclusion

Project aims

The project aimed to improve the conservation of mangrove ecosystems while enhancing the resilience and wellbeing of coastal communities. It sought to reduce dependence on environmentally destructive practices by equipping communities particularly women, youth, and vulnerable households with the skills, tools, and structures needed to adopt sustainable, conservation‑oriented livelihoods.

A strong emphasis was placed on community ownership, gender equality, and child participation to ensure that environmental protection efforts would be sustained beyond the life of the project.

- Training
  
  300 community members trained in sustainable, conservation‑oriented livelihoods.
- Distribution
  
  Agricultural tools, seeds, and fertiliser provided to 300 households (79% women headed).
- Established
  
  12 Community Environmental Governance and Management Committees.
- Capacity building
  
  Community by laws and Protection, Restoration and Conservation (PRC) action plans developed in all 12 communities.

What was the problem the project set out to address?

Coastal communities in Pujehun and Bonthe depend heavily on mangroves for fuel, income, and food security. Over time, unsustainable harvesting and limited livelihood alternatives have accelerated mangrove degradation, increasing vulnerability to flooding, erosion, and climate shocks.

At the same time, many households particularly those headed by women lacked access to skills, finance, and decision‑making structures that could support alternative livelihoods. Weak community governance and limited youth engagement further constrained long‑term conservation efforts.

What did the project do to address this?

The project adopted an integrated, community‑led approach that addressed environmental, economic, and social challenges together.

Strengthened community governance structures to manage and enforce mangrove conservation
Supported restoration through tree planting, embankment construction, and digital monitoring
Introduced sustainable livelihoods, including climate‑smart agriculture and energy‑efficient fish smoking
Established Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to improve access to savings, loans, and financial resilience
Engaged children and youth as environmental stewards through school action groups and advocacy

This approach ensured that conservation efforts were reinforced by practical economic alternatives and strong local ownership.

- Behaviour change
  
  Reducing mangrove cutting required time, trust, and viable alternatives. Communities were more willing to adopt conservation practices once they saw tangible benefits from new livelihoods and technologies such as fish smoking ovens and VSLAs.
- Realisation of the benefits of conservation‑friendly livelihoods
  
  Households reported increased income, improved food security, and reduced environmental pressure as a result of sustainable farming, small businesses, and collective savings. Women, in particular, gained confidence and greater influence in household and community decision‑making.

Conclusion

This project shows that environmental conservation is most effective when communities lead the process and livelihoods are placed at the centre of change. By combining mangrove protection with economic empowerment, gender equality, and youth participation, the project has left behind stronger communities and healthier ecosystems.

The experience offers a scalable model for community‑led conservation that delivers lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits reflecting strong value of Jersey Overseas Aid’s funding.

Location

Contents

Training

Distribution

Established

Capacity building

What was the problem the project set out to address?

What did the project do to address this?

Behaviour change

Realisation of the benefits of conservation‑friendly livelihoods

Venezuela Earthquake Response

Jersey and Zambia strengthen Dairy Development Partnership at the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society 2026 Summer Show

Nicole, our 13th Programme Associate, reflects on her time at JOA

Protecting Mangroves and Strengthening Livelihoods in Coastal Sierra Leone

Location

Contents

Training

Distribution

Established

Capacity building

What was the problem the project set out to address?

What did the project do to address this?

Behaviour change

Realisation of the benefits of conservation‑friendly livelihoods

Venezuela Earthquake Response

Jersey and Zambia strengthen Dairy Development Partnership at the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society 2026 Summer Show

Nicole, our 13th Programme Associate, reflects on her time at JOA

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