The event held at Mansakonko Area Council Conference Hall, aimed to generate greenhouse gas emission removals and reduction through mangrove restoration and avoid degradation, including wetland restoration and conservation activities
The summit also focused on celebrating the 2024 season, sharing project updates and previewing 2025 activities.
The summit also gave the project an opportunity to bring together stakeholders and communities to share ideas and discuss important matters regarding the conservation and restoration of the mangrove ecosystem in The Gambia through REDD + Mechanism.
In his overview of the project, Momodou Lamin Kassama, Director, Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM) under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, said over 90,000 bags of mangrove were planted in 2024, while 6000 hectares have been planted during the last three years.
The programme, he added, was initially supposed to cover the entire mangrove landscape but said as at now, it covers 132 villages and fifteen Districts in West Coast, Lower River and Central River Regions.
‘The project was designed by three NGOs namely: Sahel Wetlands Concern, West African Bird Study Association (WABSA) and Kombo Foni Forestry Association (KOMFFORA).” he explained.
He further explained that his department is representing The Gambia Government in the project and is responsible for signing agreements with villages and it also serves as the national focal point for Ramsar Convention, CBD, Bonn Challenge and in-charge of protected areas.
Peter Kofod Kristensen, Director, Orsted Nature Base Solution in Denmark, described Gambia as the largest mangrove restoration country in the world.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment shown to the project by Gambians.
For his part, Seedy Lamin Bah, Governor Lower River Region, Hon. Yahya Gassama, chairman National Assembly select committee on environment and Central Badibou chief, Alagie Jagne, all spoke at the event.
