Many would attest to the fact that traditional ecological knowledge is effective in conserving biodiversity and regulating sustainable resource use. For instance, hunting, wild harvesting, fishing, farming and pastoralism. Living in harmony with nature is a fundamental part and core values and beliefs.
It is a well-established fact that biodiversity plays a vital component to the work and survival of humanity. The Gambia is home to more than 75 species of mammals, 47 species of reptiles and 30 species of amphibians making a total of 152 species of wild animals.
In our Thursday’s edition, we published an article in which the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, declared that Kartong/Halahin Marine Park, Niani Sukuta, Niani Kayayi, Jailani Bakadagi and Jarumeh Koto swamplands will be protected in accordance with the provision of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Act 2003, PART III, Section 14, Establishment of Protection Areas.
This is a welcome development in view of the fact that more than 70% of the species are listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect and preserve our country’s remaining biodiversity. Most of the tourists visit The Gambia because they want to enjoy the sunshine and explore the country’s rich bird species. The Gambia is endowed with a rich avifauna estimated at a total of over 570 bird species. However, we all know that the establishment of protected areas is as cost-effective as it seems, but conserving the country’s remaining gene species, habitats, and ecological processes becomes all the more important tasks. Let us not forget that The Gambia signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on the 12th of June 1992 and ratified it on the 10th of June 1994.
Since then this CBD promotes the creation and effective management of protected areas, even though the National Biodiversity and Wildlife law was legislated in 2003 to respond to this urgent need. From animals to insects and plants, biodiversity loss cannot be effectively addressed without tackling the rapid disappearance of indigenous indigenous and protected conserved areas. Globally, areas considered to be indigenous and protected areas are facing challenges from either human or climate change.
Therefore, the remarks made by the minister to declare these four protected areas is a welcome development that shows the government's resolve to promote and conserve our remaining biodiversity.
Let’s always remember that protecting our ecosystem and biodiversity is the right to greater development. These areas have what it takes to generate millions of funds for the government.
Globally, the number of tourists interested in exploring nature and the ecosystem is increasing. The country is able to make names globally, not only for its friendly people, beautiful beaches and sunshine, but also for its rich biodiversity.