Protected Areas & Wildlife: Sierra Leone’s NPAA is stepping up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary after concerns over illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment, with a field assessment and community meeting calling on residents to report poaching and help manage threats like bush fires. Biodiversity & Community Grants: UNDP Sierra Leone signed US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 civil society organisations under the GEF Small Grants Programme to support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and circular economy solutions. Food Systems & Safeguarding: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security agreed to integrate gender equality, social inclusion and protection from gender-based violence into food system resilience work. Coastal Access Dispute: Freetown’s MP says the fence at Cabbage Beach will be removed after concerns it could restrict public access and harm Bahamian vendors and watersports operators, with the Ministry of Tourism citing breaches and environmental planning concerns. Media Safety: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, setting standards for prevention, reporting and accountability. Land & Social Protection: Social Welfare Minister Karminty convened a committee to resolve an Approved School Community land dispute through dialogue and due process, aiming to protect public land for social welfare services. Health & Cleanliness: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry rolled out a nationwide hygiene drive, including cleaning at the Youyi Building and other facilities, using locally produced disinfectant to improve infection prevention. Maritime Skills: IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority partnered on a regional training programme in Accra to strengthen seafarer certification examiners ahead of future audits.