The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Michael S. Owen has visited the people of Tambaka Chiefdom and project sites of the USAID-funded Sustainable and Thriving Environments for West African Regional Development (STEWARD) Program in the Northern Province.
Ambassador Owen was accompanied by USAID staff and members of the Sierra Leone Biodiversity Conservation Project (SLBCP), as well as representatives of the Government of Sierra Leone.
The visit underscored the Ambassador’s desire to promote STEWARD’s goal of combining sustainable employment with natural resource conservation. Tambaka Chiefdom, one of STEWARD’s trans-boundary program areas in West Africa, has taken part in the program for two years to improve socio-economic conditions and management of natural resources adjacent to Outamba-Kilimi National Park.
Ambassador Owen emphasized the need for communities to work with STEWARD and other projects that aim at creating jobs, encourage conservation and management of natural resources, and develop local communities.
During meetings and field visits at Fintonia and Sumata, local representatives shared their accomplishments in developing community forests and managing fires, as well as introducing bee keeping and improved banana propagation. They also outlined the challenges they faced and expressed an interest in deepening their partnership with STEWARD.
Ambassador Owen advised local residents to build on their successes so far: “I am convinced that many of your problems can be addressed through STEWARD. Your participation can help make the Outamba-Kilimi National Park known and respected all over the world, while developing your own communities,” the Ambassador stated.
During the visit, the Ambassador and his wife spent a night at the Outamba-Kilimi National Park, where they watched the wild life from a boat excursion. Ambassador and Mrs. Owen also visited two schools where two U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers teach.
Since his arrival in Sierra Leone in September 2010, Ambassador Owen has visited virtually every region of the country emphasizing the strong and lasting bond between the U.S. and the people of Sierra Leone.
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