By Arret Jatta
The United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), has recently donated plastic recycling materials to Precious Plastic Gambia at a ceremony held in the kombo south settlement of Gunjur.
The gesture is part of commitment in showcasing the potential of plastic recycling as part of promoting environmental sustainability as well as creating job opportunity for young people.
Momodou Kanyi, a representative from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources delivered a statement on behalf of the minister, describing the initiative as “a critical cornerstone in environmental conservation and economic resilience.”
“Every piece of plastic reveled is one less item polluting our landscapes, rivers, and oceans. Recycling helps conserve our precious natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and decreases the demand for virgin materials, which often involve environmentally destructive extraction
Processes”, he said.
“Our beautiful coastlines, once pristine, are now frequently marred by plastic debris. This not only affects marine life but also threatens our tourism industry, which is a vital source of come for many Gambians. On land, improper plastic disposal leads to blocked drainage systems, exacerbating flooding during the rainy season and posing serious health risks”, he highlighted
Ngaja Touray, the Deputy Director of National Environmental Agency (NEA), recalled the partnership signed between NEA and Precious Plastic for the recycling of plastic waste.
“Plastic can stay in our soil or in our environment for decades before it can disappear. As a result we find it everywhere in our environment, in our water system, in our oceans and thereby clogging the water ways”, he said.
He thanked the leadership of precious plastic for coming up to this level with their initiative.