High Conservation Value Areas in Plantations

In 2013, the Miro Forestry Company Sierra Leone (MFSL) established a 21,000 hectare timber plantation on degraded land in the Tonkolili district. In line with national regulations, an environmental and social impact assessment was conducted in 2014. The assessment provided conflicting evidence and conclusions with regard to biodiversity management. UNIQUE was invited to assess wildlife biodiversity and its distribution within the concession to support MFSL in their goal to achieve FSC certification. UNIQUE used a habitat approach, i.e. surveyed the different ecosystems and their suitability for the range of possible species. Based on findings, High Conservation Value (HCV) areas were identified and an environmental action plan proposed.