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Tiwai Island Joins UNESCO World Heritage List

14 July 20251 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYTiwai Island JoinsUNESCO WorldHeritage List14 July 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Sierra Leone’s Tiwai Island has formally earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a milestone for the country’s conservation efforts.

Key facts

  • Country: Sierra Leone.
  • Setting: a tropical forest set in the Moa River.
  • Size: about 12 sq. km.
  • Known for: one of the world’s highest concentrations of primates.
  • Champion: environmentalist Tommy Garnett, who worked towards this recognition for decades.

Significance

  • The inscription is described as a monumental achievement for environmental conservation in Sierra Leone.
  • It places a small river island forest among globally protected heritage sites.

Exam angle

  • Site: Tiwai Island; country: Sierra Leone; river: Moa.
  • List: UNESCO World Heritage list.
  • Person linked with the effort: Tommy Garnett.

Test yourself

1. Tiwai Island, recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is located in which country?

Tiwai Island lies in Sierra Leone's Moa River.

2. In which river is Tiwai Island, noted for its primate concentration, situated?

The 12 sq. km forest island sits in the Moa River.

3. Which environmentalist nurtured the dream of Tiwai Island's World Heritage recognition for decades?

The notes credit Tommy Garnett for decades of effort.