The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, together with its Agencies and supported by the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has officially launched a nationwide Nature and Digital-Based Ecotourism Education Training at the Kailahun District Council, the first of eight districts to benefit from this initiative.
The program, running from 22nd September to 11th October 2025, is designed to empower host communities with the skills to identify, map, and package ecotourism opportunities while leveraging digital tools for sustainable destination marketing.
Representing the Paramount Chief Sama Banya, Town Chief, Mr Alpha Ndoleh extended warm regards on behalf of the Chiefdom, noting that the Paramount Chief would have loved to attend but was engaged in other assignments.
He commended the Ministry’s commitment to advancing Kailahun’s rich heritage, pointing to the historic landmarks such as the Mao Bridge and the old slaughterhouse.
The Town Chief expressed delight that, the treasures are now being projected to a wider audience with the potential to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Permanent Secretary, Ms. Judith Jones expressed her delight at the nationwide rollout of the workshop, beginning with Kailahun.
She emphasized the Ministry’s focus on ecotourism as a tool for protecting natural areas, celebrating culture, and boosting community livelihoods. She encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to build their capacity and ensure that their communities become direct beneficiaries of Sierra Leone’s growing tourism sector.
The Director of Tourism, in his remarks, underscored the breathtaking green scenery and cultural wealth of Kailahun, highlighting its historic role during Sierra Leone’s civil war. He emphasized that the Year of Ecotourism campaign seeks not only to protect natural areas and promote local culture but also to reshape the country’s conflict history into a narrative of resilience.
Local communities, service providers, and chiefdom stakeholders actively engaged in interactive training sessions aimed at enhancing their capacity to benefit from tourism while improving visitors’ experiences.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Nabeela Tunis, in her Keynote address, extended appreciation on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and thanked the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) for its support. She applauded the MTCA team’s dedication and commended Kailahun’s private sector for ensuring accommodation is readily available for visitors. Minister Tunis further encouraged the packaging of tour experiences, stressing that communities must own their stories and transform the narrative of war into one of resilience and growth.
The Ministry’s delegation, accompanied by district and chiefdom stakeholders, visited key historic attractions in Kailahun District to ascertain their cultural and tourism value.
Sites visited included Moa Barracks and Bridge, Pendebu Railway, Kailondo Castle in Banya’s Compound, Kailahun Court Barry, and the Slaughterhouse. The findings from this visit will inform strategies to document, promote, and position these sites as central pillars of Sierra Leone’s growing ecotourism agenda.
Credit: MTCA Communications
