The encroachment, which is just behind Palma Rima Hotel in Kotu could result to grabbing or attracting more and more development in the wetland.
However, the executive also learnt with dismay that the encroachment is pegged with concrete cement poles, which could be a sign of further land allocations, in spite of the fact that the area attract lots of international bird watchers and even wildlife film makers.
“The Kotu Wetlands is the only wetland within the metropolitan in Kanifing Municipality that serves as one of the hotspots of the Gambia bird watching areas where more than 150 species can be seen in the area and its surroundings including migratory birds that use the area as a stopover site,” CGEOs explained.
However, this unique fresh water body, surrounded by hotels not only attracts both local and international bird watchers annually, but also harbors species of biodiversity importance.
According to the CGEOs, many youths both men and women in the area venture into seedling productions, rice farming, vegetable gardening, tourist guide among others.
The local bird watcher’s association, environmentalists, students and researchers also visit the area, for multiple purposes as it serves as a perfect habitat or breeding ground to a growing number of bird species/insects.
The president of CGEO, Seeku Janko recalled that few years ago there were attempts to develop the area by certain individuals.
He revealed that after the move was halted after he (Janko) organised a press conference to raise concern about the ongoing encroachment, adding that during their subsequent meetings, the West African Bird Study Association (WABSA) under its executive director Lamin Jobaate and a member of CGEO were tasked to start engaging the relevant departments to start the process frameworks that Kotu wetlands can become an indigenous community conservation area.
While the process is going on, Mr. Janko maintained that the group has observed that the wetland is being seriously encroached, something that could be detrimental to the country’s biodiversity and its ecosystem.
CGEOs president Janko spoke of his organisation’s resolve to safeguard the Kotu Wetlands and the Cycle track and it will conduct consultation with the communities of Kotu, Dippa Kunda, Latrikunda and Manjai Kunda.
He revealed that during a recent meeting, members came up with key recommendations among which, was to consult the new Land Reform Taskforce Committee established by Ministry of Lands to advise them to include Kotu wetlands in their consultancy work.
“CGEOs members are willing to give technical advice to the said committee in other Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in The Gambia that need urgent protection. CGEO members also embarked on activities like tree planting,” Mr. Janko highlighted.
To that end, CGEOs president hailed UN and ECOWAS for raising his organisation’s voice especially on the current unsustainable use of land in The Gambia, which he said, could pose great threats to present and future generation.
