The Advocacy Initiative for Development (AID) and Intellico ECO have formed a strategic partnership to combat deforestation in Sierra Leone by harnessing the potential of coconut waste. Our project aims to promote the use of coconut husk waste charcoal as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to wood-based fuel. Through empowerment, education, and community engagement, we seek to address the pressing issue of deforestation while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Deforestation in Sierra Leone has reached critical levels, with substantial reductions in forest cover across the country. From 2021 to 2023, approximately 7,000 hectares of forest were cleared annually, amounting to a staggering 50% reduction in the Northern, South, and Eastern regions. In the western area, over 70% of the forests have been cleared since 2018, primarily due to expansion for agriculture, timber exports, charcoal production, and indiscriminate bush clearing.
To address these challenges, our project focuses on promoting the use of coconut husk waste charcoal as a sustainable and viable alternative to wood charcoal. Intellico ECO, a distributor of coconut charcoal briquettes, offers an ideal solution. These briquettes emit fewer fumes, burn for longer periods, produce minimal ash, and provide an odourless, smokeless, sparkless, and flameless cooking experience.
The successful promotion and implementation of this project will have profound and lasting impacts on the environment, livelihoods, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone. Ultimately, the use of coconut husk charcoal as a primary alternative to wood charcoal will foster a renewed awareness of the importance of sustainable practices, influencing stakeholders and donors to take action against deforestation.
