Photo: Guy Shorrock/RSPBSierra Leone has reiterated its intention to declare the Gola forest a National Park. Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma recently wrote to BirdLife International in this regard. “I would like to re-assure you of my government’s commitment to implementing the Sierra Leone Biodiversity Action Programme in collaboration with your organisation, not only to mitigate the effects of global warming, but also to preserve our rich fauna and flora, and cultural heritage for generations to come”, wrote Ernest Bai Koroma. “I am hopeful that the Gola Forest National Park Bill will be introduced in Parliament in the coming weeks”.
The Gola Forest National Park will form part of a new Trans-boundary Peace Park announced jointly by the Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia in May this year. The Trans-boundary Peace Park will protect one of the largest remaining blocks of intact forest in the Upper Guinea Area of West Africa.
Gola Forest Reserve, the largest area of Upper Guinea rainforest in Sierra Leone, occupies the south-eastern edge of the country. The main river draining Gola North is the Mogbai, and its catchment spans the centre of the reserve. This river discharges into the Mano river, which runs along the border with the Republic of Liberia.
Out of the 250 species of birds in the region, more than 25 are threatened or restricted-range species. The 75,000 hectare park is also home to more than 50 mammal species, such as forest elephant, pygmy hippo, and 10 species of primates, including the threatened chimpanzee.
No comments:
Post a Comment