By Modou Kanteh
The issue of climate change has become a big name around the globe and The Gambia is not an exception to the phenomenon of climate change. Against this backdrop, the Department of Water Resources and Food and Agriculture Organization under the Letter of Agreement gathered stakeholders and experts on climate change in Brikama for a three-day training on monitoring the impacts of climate change on fisheries and mangroves.
In his statement at the gathering, the Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources, Foday Conteh who deputized for his director applauded Green Climate and FAO for supporting the Climate Resilient Fishery Initiative for Livelihood Improvement Project (PROREFISH) in the country.
He noted that the fragile ecosystems of mangroves and fisheries are not merely subjects of scientific inquiry, but essential components of the global ecosystem.
According to Mr. Conteh, mangroves provide critical habitats for countless species, support coastal communities, and act as natural buffers against storm surges and coastal erosion.
“Mangroves are facing unprecedented threats due to climate change,” Conteh said and, he pointed out that the importance of the training workshop cannot be over-emphasized while calling on participants to be steadfast in their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“Let us remember that our actions today will shape the world tomorrow. Together, we have the power to preserve and protect our natural heritage for generations coming,” Foday Conteh said.
During these three days, participants are expected to discuss and strategize ways to address the challenges that climate change poses to Fisheries and mangroves.
The training workshop was officially opened by Musa Baldeh, a representative of the governor of the West Coast Region.
