Bio-diversity

The project will develop a detailed biodiversity profile of the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve and Banana Island and to estimate carbon stocks of trees as a first step towards conservation. The proposed biodiversity study will include botanical assessments of tree species. This data will enhance a more accurate ground-truthing carbon stock assessment of the forest study area which is necessary for a potential REDD carbon credit programme that will provide a sustainable financial scheme for continued conservation efforts. In addition, plant species of medicinal value will be surveyed and documented and community women trained in traditional medicinal primary health care. Such involvement of women and local communities in the project will serve as impetus for their participation in forest conservation efforts.

Sierra Leone