Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone Gains UNESCO Status

Sierra Leone’s Tiwai Island Gets UNESCO Recognition

Why in the News ?

After decades of conservation work by activist Tommy Garnett, Tiwai Island and Gola Rainforest in Sierra Leone have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, acknowledging their biodiversity and the successful revival of the ecosystem post-civil war.

Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone Gains UNESCO Status

Historic Achievement and Conservation Efforts:

  • Tiwai Island has been recognized by UNESCO for its rich biodiversity, becoming Sierra Leone’s first World Heritage site along with Gola Rainforest.
  • The island, located in the Moa River, is home to 11 primate species, including the endangered western chimpanzee and Diana monkey.
  • Environmentalist Tommy Garnett, founder of the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA), began efforts in the early 2000s to restore the island post-civil war.
  • Despite civil war, Ebola (2014), and COVID-19, Garnett helped prevent deforestation, poaching, and habitat destruction.
  • His NGO has also planted over 2 million trees in degraded regions, with 5 lakh planted between 2020-2023.

Tiwai Island’s Role and Local Impact

  • The island serves as a centre for biodiversity research and promotes eco-tourism.
  • Species like the pygmy hippopotamus and African forest elephant inhabit the region.
  • Local communities were persuaded to adopt sustainable practices; tourism provides jobs, training, and agricultural aid.
  • Garnett emphasized that forests are closely tied to local culture and identity.
  • His work has earned national appreciation, with the Environment Minister lauding his efforts.

Personal Journey and Vision

  • Born in 1959 in Kono district, Garnett studied agriculture and development economics
  • Returned during the 1990s to rebuild the country amid war and environmental degradation.
  • His grassroots approach, cycling and community engagement helped win public support.
  • Garnett’s life mission has been to protect the environment from the destructive legacy of mining and deforestation.
  • His activism has now led to global recognition and a lasting environmental legacy.

About Tiwai Island and Gola Rainforest

●      Tiwai Island: A 12 sq. km. forested island in the Moa River, home to 11 primate species, including the western chimpanzee and Diana monkey.

●      Gola Rainforest: Sierra Leone’s largest tropical rainforest, located near the Liberia border, rich in endemic flora and fauna.

●      Fauna includes the African forest elephant, pygmy hippopotamus, and king colobus monkey.

●      The island plays a key role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and cultural identity.

●      Now recognized globally for its ecological and cultural importance by UNESCO.