In August 2024, Freetown City Council took a bold step in environmental protection by demolishing structures built on illegally reclaimed land at Kroo Bay Community. This waste-created land had been a major source of pollution, threatening the ocean and nearby beaches whilst exposing Kroo Bay residents to increased flooding risks.
As part of our continued commitment to environmental restoration, FCC, with the active participation of Kroo Bay residents, has over the past 3 weeks planted 40,000 mangroves. An additional 35,000 will be planted in the coming weeks, as part of the #FreetownTheTreeTown initiative, with funding support from the World Bank and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
A total of 289 Kroo Bay residents participated in the recent tree planting exercise, with growers engaged for 18 days and trackers and monitors to be involved for a period six months.
FCC recognises the serious risks of flooding and coastal erosion faced by those living on reclaimed land. We therefore remain committed to ongoing community engagement to ensure local ownership and long-term sustainability of this restoration effort.
