Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, is leading substantial efforts to combat climate change after witnessing severe deforestation. The 2017 mudslide forced her into action, emphasizing the urgency of environmental restoration in a vulnerable nation. Appointing Africa’s first chief heat officer, engaging in reforestation efforts, and reviving cultural traditions, her initiatives aim to foster resilience in Freetown amidst climate challenges.
In Sierra Leone, the alarming deforestation surrounding Freetown significantly impacted Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s life. Witnessing the devastation following the Ebola epidemic, she was moved to tears by the loss of tropical rainforests. This loss resulted in a compromised drainage system, leading to a catastrophic mudslide in 2017, which claimed over a thousand lives. These experiences prompted Aki-Sawyerr to run for mayor, a position she assumed in May 2018, where she has been committed to addressing the pressing climate crisis.
As one of the poorest countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change, Sierra Leone faces substantial challenges, particularly in adapting to the impacts of climate change exacerbated by wealthier nations. Nonetheless, Aki-Sawyerr possesses a resilient spirit, stating, “Things that aren’t right don’t need to stay that way.” Raised in Freetown and having a background in finance, she returned to address the Ebola outbreak and has since focused on combating climate issues in her leadership.
Among her pivotal actions as mayor, Aki-Sawyerr appointed Africa’s first chief heat officer, Eugenia Kargbo, to help citizens deal with the rising temperatures. Kargbo has introduced essential initiatives, including canopies for market vendors and the exploration of heat-resistant materials for vulnerable communities. She acknowledges the urgency of the situation, stating, “There’s so much more to do, but one of the major problems that we have is funding.”
In addition to new strategies, the city has also initiated a reforestation effort called Freetown the Tree Town, resulting in the planting of over 1.2 million trees, with a remarkable survival rate of 82%. This initiative aims not only to beautify the area but also to stabilize the land and mitigate the risk of mudslides. Aki-Sawyerr reflects on the significance of cultural traditions tied to nature, such as the burial of a newborn’s umbilical cord with a newly planted tree. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with such customs for future generations, stating, “Just bringing that tradition back is something very powerful.”
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s extensive efforts to combat climate change and its repercussions in Freetown illustrate the resilience and determination necessary in addressing environmental challenges. Through innovative initiatives and reforestation projects, Freetown is on a path toward recovery, underscoring the vital connection between nature and culture. By fostering traditional practices that align with contemporary needs, Aki-Sawyerr aims to forge a stronger bond between the community and their land, nurturing hope for future generations.
Original Source: www.nationalgeographic.com
