#National News

ERI, partners distribute bicycles to CONNECTING Project volunteers

Jan 3, 2023, 1:28 PM | Article By: Yunus S. Saliu

TheEuropean Research Institute (ERI) in partnership with Makasutu Wildlife Trust (MWT) and Sahel Wetland Concern (SWC) have distributed bicycles to volunteers of the Tendaba, Bomako, Bonto and Bintang cells in Kiang and Tendaba in Lower River Region.

This is to enhance the monitoring of the established four cells in villages in Lower River and West Coast Regions under the Coastal Observer Network for Monitoring the Effects of Climate Change along The Gambia River (CONNECTING) Project,

The aim of the gesture is to enhance the monitoring and data collection activities at their various established cells - Tendaba, Bomako, Bonto and Bintang.

CONNECTING Project is co-funded by the National Authorising Office Support Unit (NAOSU) at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, The Gambia, working within the framework of the GCCA+ Climate Resilient Coastal and Marine Zone Project for The Gambia. 

Handing over the bicycles to the 24 community-based Coastal Observer volunteers at events held in Tendaba and Abuko Nature Reserve respectively, Samba Jawo, Country Coordinator for European Research Institute applauded the volunteers for their voluntary services to the project.

He said the bicycles would help them in their monitoring and data collection works, especially since they have completed the training program - both theory and practical on monitoring of the established coastal cells along The Gambia River.

He therefore reminded them of coastal management observers' functions which include ensuring that all environmental regulations are adhered to.

Kuru Lamin Kongira, Training Coordinator on behalf of Makasutu Wildlife Trust (MWT) and Sahel Wetland Concern (SWC) thanked ERI for the project.

He also thanked trainers for the job well done. Volunteers expressed gratitude especially for having the opportunity to be part of the exercise.