Major blue carbon project begins in Sierra Leone

December 25, 2025

A major blue carbon conservation project has officially begun in Sierra Leone, aiming to protect and restore extensive mangrove forests while generating carbon credits for climate mitigation. This initiative marks one of the most ambitious efforts on the West African coast to harness the climate benefits of blue carbon ecosystems—coastal habitats that store vast amounts of carbon in their soils and vegetation. 

The scheme covers tens of thousands of hectares of mangroves within the Sherbro River Estuary, a critical ecological zone supporting biodiversity and coastal communities. Mangrove forests are globally recognized for their ability to sequester carbon far more efficiently than many terrestrial forests, making them valuable for both climate action and sustainable development. 

A central part of the project’s framework is a benefit-sharing agreement signed with over 200 local communities. Under this arrangement, participating coastal villages will receive a significant share (around 40%) of carbon credit revenue generated from the sale of offsets on voluntary markets—ensuring that financial gains flow directly to the people living in and around the mangrove zones. 

To reduce local dependence on mangroves for fuel and construction materials, the project includes alternative livelihood and sustainable technology support, such as efficient cookstoves and fish-smoking ovens. These measures are designed to cut down on mangrove wood harvesting while improving living standards. 

Project developers expect the initiative to remove or avert millions of tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over its lifetime, positioning Sierra Leone as a leader in community-driven blue carbon approaches in Africa. Sales of the first credits are projected to begin by late 2026, with revenue shared transparently among communities, developers, and national stakeholders. 

This initiative not only contributes to global climate mitigation efforts but also strengthens local economies and coastal resilience, highlighting the dual ecological and social value of protecting mangrove ecosystems.