The $25 million PROREFISH initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by FAO with the Ministry of Fisheries, is ambitious in scope. It directly targets 167,643 Gambians in the fisheries value chain, over half of them women, and indirectly benefits another 250,000 people. Those are not just statistics. They are fish processors in Tanji, boat owners in Brufut, and families in Kartong whose daily meals depend on what comes off the sea.
The progress reported is encouraging. Hundreds of hectares of degraded mangroves have been replanted, restoring critical breeding grounds for fish. Solar fish dryers nearing completion in Brufut, Tanji, Sanyang and Kartong promise to cut post-harvest losses and boost incomes for women who dominate fish processing. These are tangible steps toward climate adaptation.
But as Director of Climate Finance Isatou Camara rightly noted, “Investing in resilient fisheries is no longer optional; it is essential.” The forum must now move beyond statements to delivery.
Three things will determine whether PROREFISH succeeds. First, infrastructure must reach the last mile. Solar dryers and improved landing sites must be maintained by the communities that use them, with real training and ownership, not just ribbon-cutting.
Second, gender equity must be more than a target. With women making up the majority of beneficiaries, their voices must lead in decision-making on processing, marketing and finance.
Third, coordination must be tight. As Minister Musa Drammeh said, partners must review progress, identify challenges and stay aligned. Climate finance is scarce. Waste is a luxury we cannot afford.
The UN Resident Coordinator Karl-Frédérick Paul was correct: the benefits extend beyond fish. Healthier mangroves mean better carbon storage. Stronger livelihoods mean better nutrition and stronger local economies.
PROREFISH is a test case. If we can make fisheries climate-resilient, we prove that climate finance can work for ordinary Gambians. The government, FAO and partners now have six years and $25 million to prove it. Coastal communities are watching, and waiting.