Promoting Natural Resource Justice: SiLNoRF and HEKS Lay the Foundation for Accountable Land Governance in Sierra Leone.

Originally reported by Tina Berg in Beobachter (6 January 2026).

Now jointly translated by Alhaji Amadu Bunduka, Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, and Idrissa Jerry, Head of Communication at SiLNoRF.

Protecting Land Rights in the Context of Carbon Markets

A large-scale carbon offset project in Sierra Leone has raised serious concerns regarding land governance, community consent, and the protection of human rights defenders. The project, led by the Canadian-British company Carbon Done Right, aimed to reforest approximately 57,000 hectares of land and generate carbon credits for international buyers, including BP. The Swiss consultancy Ecosecurities supported project documentation submitted to Verra, the world’s largest carbon credit certification body. While climate action is essential, such initiatives must fully comply with national land laws and international human rights standards. In contexts where land is central to livelihoods and food security, large-scale carbon projects can create significant pressure on customary land systems.

SiLNoRF and HEKS Research Findings

The Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food (SiLNoRF), working in partnership with Swiss Church Aid (HEKS), conducted extensive field research across 25 villages affected by the proposed project.

In 2024, the two organisations published a report questioning:

The legality of land acquisition processes
Whether Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) was properly obtained
Compliance with Sierra Leonean land laws
Transparency regarding contractual agreements

The findings were also reported by the Swiss newspaper Le Temps. Our position remains clear: climate solutions must not undermine land rights, food systems, or community autonomy.

Escalation and Intimidation Concerns

Shortly before publication of the report, SiLNoRF staff experienced increasing pressure. A formal complaint was reportedly filed against team members. According to public reporting, diplomatic intervention was required to prevent what appeared to be attempts to intimidate human rights defenders. Subsequently, British journalist Olivia Acland of the investigative network Source Material who was preparing a joint investigation with The Times received letters allegedly written by two local chiefs. These letters accused HEKS and SiLNoRF of spreading misinformation and bribing landowners.

Notably:

The letters were not sent directly to SiLNoRF or HEKS.
They were transmitted via the project company to an international journalist.
SiLNoRF staff report inconsistencies in language, format, and signatures.
One of the chiefs referenced reportedly does not communicate in English and traditionally signs documents by fingerprint.
The second chief’s health condition raises further questions regarding authorship.

While authenticity has not been legally determined, the circumstances surrounding these letters are deeply concerning.

Investigative Findings on Land Contracts

Independent reporting by Olivia Acland indicated that Carbon Done Right did not have signed land contracts covering the full 57,000 hectares publicly referenced. These findings were published in The Times despite efforts by the company to challenge the reporting. The company has stated that it did not conduct a campaign against HEKS or SiLNoRF and that it merely responded to media inquiries. It further claimed that negative publicity affected its planned London IPO. However, questions remain regarding documentation, consent processes, and transparency.

Impact on Local Human Rights Defenders

For SiLNoRF staff working directly in affected communities, the situation had tangible consequences. Team members reported threats and intimidation, including warnings directed at their families. Land issues in Sierra Leone are highly sensitive, particularly when significant financial interests are involved. Advocacy for land rights often places community defenders at personal risk. SiLNoRF reiterates that the protection of human rights defenders must be a priority for all actors involved in climate and development initiatives.

Current Status

The project remains under review with Verra.
BP has withdrawn from the project.
HEKS staff member Silva Lieberherr was awarded the Bai Bureh Service Delivery Award 2025, named after the historic resistance leader Bai Bureh.

SiLNoRF’s Position

SiLNoRF supports genuine climate action. However, climate finance must not: