The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone, alongside its implementing partner, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has successfully wrapped up a four-day South-South learning exchange in Liberia. 

The exchange focused on key climate resilience initiatives—the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Monrovia Metropolitan Coastal Resilience Project and the GEF LDCF Enhancing the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities in Sinoe County Project.

Describing the mission as “an insightful learning experience,” the Sierra Leone delegation met with UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Dia, to express appreciation for the support extended during the visit.

Mr. Dia emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between environmental agencies and development partners. “You should not see yourselves as just partners with EPA, but as part of the agency itself,” he said.

He commended the team for its commitment, adding, “Climate and environmental issues are central to UNDP’s mission globally. While we’re seeing progress in Liberia, we must continue improving performance for stronger impact.”

Ms. Tanzila Sankoh, UNDP Sierra Leone’s Team Lead on the Sustainable Growth Cluster, noted that the learning experience provided an opportunity for actionable insights. “This learning exchange gave us a clear roadmap. The teams were open and candid in discussing challenges and solutions from proposal development through implementation,” she said.

Sankoh stressed the urgency of climate action in Sierra Leone. “Coastal erosion is a serious issue. The knowledge we’ve gathered here will meaningfully shape our future project planning.”

Mr. Sheku Mark Kanneh, Chief Director of the EPA Sierra Leone, also shared his reflections. “We are opportune for this mission. It has empowered us, and we’re eager to share the knowledge and continue engaging with our Liberian counterparts.”

As part of the visit, the team toured project sites in West Point and New Kru Town to witness on-the-ground interventions. They also visited the Mount-Coffee Hydro Power Plant, where key materials for coastal revetment construction are stored. 

Technical meetings were held to discuss strategies for early and consistent stakeholder engagement, culminating in the development of a roadmap for future proposal formulation.