By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) Blue Economy Awareness forum aimed to raise awareness of the vast opportunities brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss sustainable practices and economic growth strategies on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Baobab Hotel in Bijilo.
Wandifa Saidyleigh, Director of Marine Environment, Governance, and Policy, commended the GMA’s initiative to create awareness about the blue economy.
He stated that the GMA has taken a crucial step by bringing stakeholders together and emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the blue economy.
Saidyleigh highlighted the significance of the workshop recommendations and commended the stakeholders for their dedication and hard work throughout the event.
Dr. Awwal Bamanga, the workshop’s resource person, reiterated the importance of the GMA’s efforts, stating that creating awareness of the Blue Economy and collaborating with stakeholders is commendable.
Bamanga emphasized the importance of the draft workshop recommendations in shaping the future of the Blue Economy, while he also applauded the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the stakeholders during the workshop discussions.
Mr. Momodou LBS Drammeh, Head of Engineering at USET, expressed gratitude for the timely nature of the awareness workshop, stating, that the workshop is vital considering the current importance of the blue economy.
Drammeh thanked the GMA for organizing the workshop and acknowledged it as the first of its kind in the country. He also appreciated the commitment and dedication shown by the participants, recognizing their contributions to the discussions on sustainable practices in the blue economy.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for all attendees to become stewards of the marine environment and to advocate for sustainable practices in their communities. The participants were encouraged to carry forward the insights and inspirations from the workshop, ensuring that the momentum built over the five days continues to grow towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
