Sierra Leone just celebrated its first World Heritage recognition with Tiwai Island and the Gola Rainforest — a milestone decades in the making. But beyond the pride lies a deeper question: can we truly build a future if environmental protection remains on the margins of our development agenda?

In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard speaks with environmentalist Tommy Garnett about what the UNESCO recognition means, the everyday costs of neglecting nature, and why protecting the environment is not just about forests and wildlife, but about Sierra Leone’s survival, justice, and progress.