Restoring Sacred Forests, Culture and Language in Sierra Leone.

Society for Indigenous Languages, Communities and Cultures (SILCC) works to unite 12 Indigenous villages to restore over 9,000 hectares of sacred forest, establishing inclusive local conservation committees that blend traditional knowledge with modern restoration practices.

1. Community Mobilization - Revitalizing traditional sacred forest governance systems in local communities through signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between SILCC and local chiefdom authorities, reinstating Indigenous bylaws, taboos, and rituals that have historically protected these forests for generations.

2. Integration of Culture and Conservation: SILCC has pioneered an approach linking biodiversity protection with Indigenous language and cultural revitalization, ensuring that ecological recovery strengthens community identity and long-term stewardship. Mani language of Sierra Leone is one of the world’s critically endangered languages (UNESCO). Sacred forest governance systems includes Indigenous rituals and ceremonies in the Mani language.

3. Collaborative Partnerships and Policy Engagement: Partnerships with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Social Welfare, Forestry department of the ministry of Agriculture, local councils, and international organizations such as Global Rewilding Alliance GRA, the Endangered Languages Project ELP, to support Indigenous-led conservation at both local and national levels.

4. Capacity Building and Youth Leadership: Training over 150 youths and women as environmental custodians and storytellers, equipping them to lead forest monitoring and cultural education in their communities.