EPA on Sustainable Development and Social Justice

The Head of the Legal, Compliance, and Enforcement Directorate at the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone, Tamba Sangbah, delivers a speech on behalf of the Executive Chairman reaffirming the agency’s commitment to sustainable development and social justice. This was done at the launch of the National Development Induced Resettlement Program. Tamba Sangbah Esq recognized the intricate relationship between Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and involuntary resettlement, citing EIAs as essential tools for evaluating the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of development projects. Nevertheless, despite their importance, EIAs often reveal the harsh reality that some development projects may necessitate the involuntary displacement of communities, leading to profound social and economic disruptions, referencing moments when our commitment to social justice and human dignity is put to the test. The establishment of the National Development Induced Resettlement Programme represents our proactive response to this challenge and signifies our unwavering commitment to uphold the rights and well-being of communities affected by development-induced displacement, he states. By integrating involuntary resettlement considerations into the broader framework of environmental assessment and management, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of progress because EIA is not merely procedural but deeply ethical and moral. It calls upon us to recognize the inherent dignity and rights of every individual and community affected by development activities and compels us to adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes the principles of equity, participation, and empowerment, he continued. Through the National Development Induced Resettlement Programme, we seek to redefine the narrative surrounding involuntary resettlement, transforming it from a mere consequence of development to an opportunity for holistic community empowerment and sustainable livelihood enhancement. We envision a future where involuntary resettlement is not seen as a source of division and discord but as a catalyst for positive change and resilience-building. He encouraged all to remain guided by the principles of empathy, solidarity, and justice, extending his heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders – government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and affected communities – for their unwavering support and commitment to this noble cause. Together we can pave the way for a brighter, more just future for generations to come, he concluded.