Unleashing Change: GEF6 Wraps Up Transformative Environmental Training in CRR to Tackle Climate Change

A new initiative is underway to empower rural communities in Gambia. Its goal is to help locals protect the environment, reduce deforestation, and build resilience against climate change.

At a recent event, Chief Mam Demba Jallow from Sami District praised the project. He stressed that everyone shares the responsibility for keeping the land healthy. “We need to stop illegal tree cutting,” he warned. “Any reports of this will lead to legal action.”

Chief Jallow highlighted the dangers of deforestation. It can lead to less rainfall, more droughts, and lower crop yields. He thanked the Gambian government for supporting this initiative and reaffirmed his dedication to the nation’s growth.

Ousainou Touray, the GEF6 Project Coordinator, spoke about the project’s role in fostering environmental conservation. He pointed out that it also promotes women’s empowerment through gardening and skill-building. “Protecting our environment can attract tourism to rural areas and boost the economy,” he said. The project aims to build skills centers for women and tourism hubs in various villages, creating jobs and revenue.

Touray called on village leaders and forestry officials to take an active role in protecting their surroundings. He mentioned that both human and wildlife survival depend on a healthy ecosystem.

Others, like Musa Samura from the Kuntaur Area Council and Musa Jobarteh, a regional wildlife officer, agreed. They celebrated the project as a helpful addition to the government’s environmental efforts. “Our lives depend on nature,” Jobarteh emphasized. “Protecting it benefits agriculture, wildlife, and eco-tourism.”

Local residents also shared their worries about deforestation. Mama Sanneh, Memba Jawneh, and Wally Sowe voiced their concerns over the shrinking number of large trees and the rise in charcoal production. “Without enough trees, rainfall will drop, and farming will suffer,” they said. “We need to take action now.”

The urgency of this initiative is echoed by recent studies showing that deforestation in Gambia has increased significantly in the last decade, with around 24% of forest cover disappearing from 2000 to 2020. This trend has raised alarms about the long-term sustainability of agriculture and wildlife in the region.

Experts believe that collective action at the community level can reverse these trends. By working together, communities can create a more sustainable environment for future generations. With initiatives like GEF6, they have a chance to make a lasting impact.

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