Press Release: Launching Action for Large scale Land Acquisition Transparency (ALLAT)
Read the final communique from the Conference of Land Owners and Land Users
Origin
The two-day National Conference on Land Owners and Land Users affected by large scale investments in Agriculture organized by the Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food (SiLNoRF) and Green Scenery, held on the 2nd and 3rd April, 2012 at the St. Edwards Pre- School Hall, Kingtom, Freetown ended up with a recommendation by participants for the formation of a Civil Society coalition that would serve as a watchdog on land issues in the country.
In response to this recommendation, the “Action for Large scale Land Acquisition Transparency’’ known as (ALLAT) is formed today 3rd April 2012.
Composition
ALLAT is a joint action initiated by Green Scenery comprising human rights, governance, environmental, research, advocacy, community development, peace building Civil Society Organizations. The initiative brings together persons affected by large scale land deals, Civil Society Organizations and experts that monitor´s large scale industrial investments in agriculture and its impacts on rural population.
Mandate
ALLAT is established to ensure transparent and accountable land governance system in the country:
Land Owners and Land Users should have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits involved in such projects before they sign any document. Disappointingly however, relevant, timely and adequate information is lacking. Delegates confirm that there are no adequate binding regulations and procedures to ensure transparency and participation leading to informed decision making.
Delegates are further unhappy about the cost of the lands leased and compensation for what they lose on their land.
Against this background, we call on all, especially policy makers and international donors supporting investments in agriculture to listen and respond to grievances and recommendations of affected communities and join the campaign in ensuring good land governance system in Sierra Leone. ALLAT works in the interest of the country.
For further information contact:
Green Scenery, 82 Soldier Street
Tel: 076601979
Email: [email protected]
Allat Sierra Leone.pdf