By: Kemo Kanyi
The National Environment Agency (NEA), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and other partner organizations and agencies were involved in discussion about the way-forward for sustainable land management and improvement of environment health quality.
The forum, held at the Baobab Holiday Resort, was bankrolled by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Thursday gathered at the Baobab Holiday Resort and it incepts the Great Green Wall Initiative Child Project titled: Establishment of an Ecological Corridor for Forest Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services to Support Implementation of the Great Green Wall in The Gambia (ECOSERV Gambia).
In opening remarks, the Executive Director of the NEA, Dr. Dawda Badjie highlighted several distinct factors that have unwelcome implications on lives and environmental quality, urging all Gambians to work towards mitigating their influences on the environment as they are threats to human existence.
“All of us present here will not deny that the environment that supports our own existence is under serious threat,” stated Dr. Badjie, adding that climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, waste management, chemical misuse, land degradation, air pollution, coastal zone degradation, among others, have negative impact on environmental health and quality of life as humans and other God created creatures.
“Therefore, the ultimate goal of every nation, among others, is to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by the unsound management of our environment,” he underscored.
The NEA boss added that as protection of the environment is at the highest level of priority, The Gambia has developed national policies and legislations geared towards the protection of the environment for the present and future generations.
Dr. Badjie stated that the gathering was a clear manifestation that “we care for our environment and at the same time for our health.
“This is so because our environment has a direct manifestation on our health status,” he acknowledged.
The Principal Planner at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Ebrima Colley, spoke on behalf of environment minister Rohey John Manjang, acknowledging that the country faces significant challenges, including environmental issues, economic constraints, infrastructure deficits, technological limitations, and social and institutional barriers.
He explained that the Great Green Wall Initiative represents an ambitious and transformative effort to combat desertification, enhance food security, and promote sustainable land management, stating that by joining this initiative, The Gambia is not merely planting trees, but also sowing the seed of prosperity, unity, and environmental stewardship.
“The Great Green Wall Initiative aligns with the country’s aspirations to enhance environmental sustainability, improve livelihoods, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative emphasizes an integrated approach to environmental management, which complements the Gambia’s vision for Integrated Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Land Management. Membership in the Great Green Wall Initiative facilitates access to regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building, all of which are essential for effectively implementing sustainable practices. Thus, The Gambia can leverage collective efforts and resources to tackle its environmental challenges through this initiative,” he further explained.
Mr. Colley said the primary goal of the Gambia’s membership is to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity, which involves rehabilitating lands affected by degradation and ensuring the survival and prosperity of various flora and fauna species among other key goals.
Emmanuel Adonsu, the project task manager for GEF biodiversity land management described the inception as a beacon of hope, stating that the initiative aims to transform degraded land areas and sustain best land management practices which, he added, can create jobs for the local communities as well as serve as a hub for income generating activities.
