The recent event at Bakadaji Hotel focused on creating a national system to measure how the Gambia adapts to climate change. Participants discussed important findings from a baseline study and set the groundwork for a system aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Bintou Gassama opened the session, emphasizing that this effort is vital for tracking progress and learning from adaptation efforts. She pointed out that a reliable monitoring system is essential for accountability and ensuring climate initiatives are effective and meet local needs.
With The Gambia nearing the completion of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, the timing of this workshop was crucial. Discussions aimed to sync indicators and data systems with national priorities, addressing the need for transparency in adaptation strategies.
Modou Cham, the Principal Climate Change Officer, highlighted the importance of monitoring and evaluation for meeting both local and global commitments. He expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their ongoing support and emphasized the necessity of a multi-sectoral approach to address climate challenges.
H.E. Stéphane Dovert, France’s Chargé d’Affaires in The Gambia, underscored the serious threat climate change poses to the nation, noting that the Gambia is particularly vulnerable due to its low elevation and dependence on the River Gambia. He outlined various risks, such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and impacts on agriculture and health.
Dovert also shared that in 2024, France is committing nearly €8 billion to climate finance to help developing countries, primarily in Africa. He believes that the new monitoring system will help the Gambia attract climate funding without adding to its debt.
Despite these advancements, he called for a collective wake-up call, urging individuals to reconsider habits that contribute to climate change.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Ansumanna Sanneh, stressed that integrating adaptation metrics into economic planning is crucial as climate risks grow. This approach will strengthen the country’s ability to meet its NDC goals.
As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more common, countries like the Gambia face increasing challenges. The recent discussions reflect a critical movement towards a more resilient future, embracing the urgent need for effective climate action.
For those interested in learning more, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides valuable resources and updates regarding global adaptation strategies.
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