1. Government Entities
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC)
The primary government ministry overseeing Sierra Leone’s climate initiatives, including National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and coordinating frameworks for climate action that foster community engagement and resilience. Collaborates with national partners to incorporate adaptation across all levels.
Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA SL)
A regulatory body under MECC that enforces environmental laws, climate change programs, and community based adaptation initiatives like the Sierra Leone Coastal Resilience Project (SLCRP), aimed at enhancing local ecosystem-based adaptation and resilience in coastal regions.
2. National Civil Society and Community Organizations
Environmental Foundation for Africa-Sierra Leone (EFA-SL)
One of the oldest environmental NGOs in the country, EFA-SL focuses on community-driven environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and awareness initiatives that promote local climate resilience and stewardship in rural and coastal regions.
Youth Initiative for Climate Action Sierra Leone (YICA-SL)
A youth led group that rallies young individuals for climate action through advocacy, climate education, project execution (like tree planting and local adaptation efforts), and empowering communities across Sierra Leone.
Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone (YCC SL)
A national platform that empowers young leaders to engage their communities in climate adaptation and policy advocacy. It conducts training sessions, outreach programs, and initiatives to enhance local climate action and youth involvement in decision making processes.
Gender Climate Action Network Sierra Leone (GCAN SL)
Dedicated to gender-responsive climate action, GCAN collaborates with women, girls, and communities to integrate climate adaptation with gender equity, natural resource conservation, and sustainable practices at the grassroots level.
READ-SL (Raising Environmental Awareness & Development Sierra Leone)
An NGO focused on climate change that aims to improve climate literacy, promote community awareness, and foster grassroots engagement in sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, and climate-smart livelihoods.
Sunrise Movement Sierra Leone
A youth led climate initiative that motivates young people and community leaders to engage in adaptation efforts and awareness surrounding national climate issues, including participatory forums and local action days.
3. Community-Oriented Projects with Local Collaborations
Sierra Leone Coastal Resilience Project (SLCRP)
This initiative, led by the EPA in collaboration with Save the Children and local organizations, is supported by the Green Climate Fund and aims to enhance adaptive capacity in 75 coastal communities by restoring mangroves, supporting livelihoods resilient to climate change, and reinforcing local governance for natural resource management.
Cities Alliance/Slum Dwellers International (SDI) Collaborations
Through workshops and participatory planning in Freetown’s informal settlements, local federations and partners assist communities in identifying climate risks, developing adaptation strategies, and enhancing resilience in water, sanitation, and housing.
4. International & Humanitarian Partners Engaging Locally
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Carries out coastal climate risk management projects that boost community capabilities to manage natural resources and address climate impacts, in cooperation with the EPA, local authorities, and sector partners.
Save the Children (Sierra Leone)
Through collaborations with the EPA and the Green Climate Fund, Save the Children promotes community-led adaptation efforts, particularly for women, youth, and children, by encouraging resilient livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and fostering inclusive climate governance.
World Bank/Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
Provides financial and technical assistance to enhance climate adaptation measures, including building community capacity for climate-smart agriculture and landscape management as part of country wide resilience initiatives.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Sierra Leone Red Cross Society
Participates in community based disaster risk reduction (DRR), proactive climate actions, climate resilient livelihood initiatives, and environmental sustainability training to decrease local vulnerability to climate impacts.
5. Additional Supportive Entities
Local Government Councils and Chiefdom Structures- Foster localized planning and community outreach.
Faith-Based and Community Based Organizations (FBOs/CBOs) Mobilize grassroots support and raise awareness about adaptation and sustainable practices.