Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown, is spearheading efforts to combat climate change and promote resilience in Sierra Leone. Following significant deforestation and devastating mudslides, she has taken actions such as appointing Africa’s first chief heat officer. The city has also made strides in reforestation, planting over 1.2 million trees in a successful initiative. Aki-Sawyerr emphasizes the importance of reviving cultural connections to nature for future generations.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, witnessed the alarming deforestation surrounding Sierra Leone’s capital after the Ebola epidemic. This loss compromised the natural drainage system, leading to catastrophic mudslides in 2017 that claimed over a thousand lives. Rising temperatures further underscored the climate crisis, prompting Aki-Sawyerr to take action as mayor in May 2018, advocating for change in one of the world’s poorest yet most climate-vulnerable nations.
Recognizing the daunting task ahead, Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the urgent need for adaptation amidst the climate crisis exacerbated by wealthy nations’ fossil fuel consumption. She remarked, “Things that aren’t right don’t need to stay that way,” underscoring her commitment to progress. With a background in finance and property development, she returned to Sierra Leone to address urgent public health needs during the Ebola outbreak.
To combat extreme heat, Aki-Sawyerr appointed Eugenia Kargbo as Africa’s first chief heat officer. Kargbo implemented initiatives such as canopies for market vendors and is exploring the use of heat-resistant materials for shelters. Despite limited funding, Kargbo expressed the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable communities affected by heat exposure.
Progress has been achieved in reforesting the region, with over 1.2 million trees planted in five years through the “Freetown the Tree Town” initiative, boasting an impressive survival rate of 82 percent. These reforested areas not only provide shade but also serve as natural barriers against mudslides.
Aki-Sawyerr cherishes the cultural significance of trees, recalling the practice of burying a newborn’s umbilical cord with a newly planted tree as a ceremonial bond to the land. She believes restoring traditions related to nature is vital for future generations, emphasizing, “Just bringing that tradition back is something very powerful.”
The efforts of Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and her team highlight the determination to combat climate change and foster resilience in Freetown despite significant challenges. Initiatives such as the appointment of a chief heat officer and the reforestation project demonstrate a solid commitment to sustainable development. Aki-Sawyerr’s reflections on the importance of cultural traditions surrounding nature reinforce the interconnectedness of community values and environmental stewardship.
Original Source: www.nationalgeographic.com
