Lumley Beach, Sierra Leone — June 6, 2025 — In a bold move to enhance the scenic beauty and promote environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Tourism Board, has launched a significant beautification project at Lumley Beach.
Central to this initiative is a comprehensive 700-tree planting exercise aimed at transforming the iconic coastal area into a greener, more sustainable destination.
Mr. Bashiru Koroma, thanking the General Manager for believing the initiative and supporting the tree planting exercise. This exercise will bring resilience and vibrancy to Lumley Beach through the planting of assorted trees, which including Coconut trees, Almond trees, Palm trees, and Christmas trees. Mr. Koroma emphasized that these species have been meticulously selected for their proven durability and adaptability over time. “Tree planting should not be a one-time event but a continuous process that sustains and enriches our environment,” he stated, highlighting the importance of ongoing community involvement and engagement to secure security of the Green Space at Lumley.
In her keynote address, the General Manager of the National Tourism Board, Mrs. Fatmata M. Carew echoed the Ministry’s and Board’s commitment to maintaining the beauty and safety of Lumley Beach. Standing in for the Honorable Minister, she urged community stakeholders and beach users to act as custodians of this green initiative. “Lumley Beach is one of our most iconic spots, and its preservation depends on collective responsibility,” she remarked.
Mrs. Carew also provided updates on upcoming developments, including the construction of modern beach toilet facilities and a public gym, designed to improve visitor experience. She appealed to the community to manage the beach with care, emphasizing sustainable practices to combat environmental challenges such as plastic debris and pollution from neighboring coastal communities. She emphasized that addressing waste management is crucial, as the ongoing plastic pollution hampers the beach’s aesthetic appeal and ecological health.
The General Manager highlighted the environmental threats posed by plastic pollution and the invasive seaweed Sargassum, which have become pressing issues for coastal communities. Notably, 2025 has been declared the “Year of Ecotourism” by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, emphasizing eco-friendly tourism practices as a national priority.
Mr. Umaru Woody, Planning and Product Development Manager, aligned the tree-planting effort with the global theme of World Environment Day 2025: “Beating Plastic Pollution.” He stressed that plastic pollution infiltrates every corner of the planet, even micro-plastics found in our bodies, urging collective action to reduce plastic waste. “Tree planting is a sustainable way to combat environmental degradation, and this initiative by the Ministry and the Board is a step in the right direction,” he affirmed.
Madam Lucinda Kargbo, Marketing Manager, underscored the importance of environmental stewardship in marketing and tourism. She called on everyone—local residents, beach visitors, and stakeholders—to play their part in keeping Lumley Beach clean and safe.
The symbolic tree-planting ceremony was carried out by prominent figures, including Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Madam Kadijatu Grace Kamara, General Manager Mrs. Fatmata Mida Carew, Deputy Director of Tourism Mr. Idrisa T. Bangura, and other key stakeholders including Environmental Protection Agency, reaffirming the collective commitment to this green transformation.
Lumley Beach’s beautification initiative symbolizes a proactive approach to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development in Sierra Leone. As the nation celebrates the Year of Ecotourism, this project serves as a reminder that preserving natural resources requires continuous effort, community participation, and responsible stewardship. With these efforts, Lumley Beach is set to become a shining example of eco-friendly tourism, attracting visitors while safeguarding its natural beauty for generations to come.
For more updates on Sierra Leone’s tourism and environmental initiatives follow:
www.tourismsierraleone.com/ ntb.gov.sl
+23277347910
