Carbon, deforestation, and livelihoods in the Loma Mountains National Park
This policy brief presents the findings of a research project aimed at accurately assessing carbon stocks in Loma Mountain National Park, Sierra Leone, and understanding deforestation drivers and community attitudes toward conservation.
-
Voors et al Policy Brief March 2024.pdf
PDF document • 242.3 KB
- This policy brief presents the findings of a research project aimed at accurately assessing carbon stocks in Loma Mountain National Park, Sierra Leone, and understanding deforestation drivers and community attitudes toward conservation.
- Combining field data with traditional remote sensing methods can yield more accurate measures of carbon loss arising from deforestation. Using this methodology, carbon loss in the Loma Mountains National Park (LMNP) is likely to be higher than estimates relying solely on remote sensing suggest.
- Surveys in thirteen communities in the 4km fringe around the LMNP show how livelihood activities drive deforestation. Despite relying on the utilisation of forest resources for livelihoods, respondents recognised the importance of sustainable management.
- To both account for the economic needs of communities around the park and effectively reduce high levels of carbon loss in Sierra Leone, this brief recommends forest governance through the REDD+ framework.