The Gambia is known for its friendly nature and its diverse ecosystem, adding that in the present international tourist market, The Gambia has fewer products to showcase when compared to neighbouring countries. Looking at these circumstances, it is not wise for people to sacrifice the few and most attractive structures in the country.
Modou Sowe, a Gambian environmentalist and former Executive Director of the Gambia Association for Nature and Biodiversity, has called on Gambian youth to stand firm to protect the Monkey Park for the future of the country.
"If the Government is interested in the short-term gains from the revenue that will be incurred from the sales of the park, the youth need to draw their attention to their future. Previously, it was the construction of the OIC Conference hall which we collectively protested against until we were assured by experts that the Monkeys will relocate to the nearby WALIC Campus.
Recently, the Gambia Government has decided to sell the remaining 10 hectares of land to the US government for the construction of a new embassy. The construction of any structure in this area means the loss of one of the most biodiverse areas in the country."
Sowe further urged Gambians to stand together and protect the most prestigious land in the country in terms of tourism and the nation’s GDP.
He remains hopeful that the Gambia Environmental Alliance, Climate Watch – Gambia and Green Up will continue the cause.
"This is the time I always remember the words of the Late Senator John “fighting a cause greater than oneself” and “we are in the era of selfless service and that is what we owe our nation”.
He informed that the US government is the leader and main supporter of the Paris agreement and should fully respect and consider the agreement to protect Monkey Park.
"I, therefore, joined the voices to call on the US Government and US Ambassador in The Gambia to reconsider their decision. We have many ideal and suitable locations. The Gambia Government should respect the gazetted and protected sanctuary since 1951."
"COP 15 Part 2, has taught me a lot and it reaffirms my commitment to protecting nature and promoting biodiversity. I will love to see the best US Embassy constructed in the Gambia and I have nothing against the US embassy. I will love to see them continue the support they have started in the country to continue especially with the USD28 Million. I was happy to see such initiatives to support agriculture. Honestly, I studied the best part of my leadership from them in 2018/19, I was nominated among the 10 most prominent young leaders of the World by the McCain Institute for International Leadership."
Sowe thus urged youth to stand firm through peaceful means and dialogue with stakeholders to protect the Monkey Park and to Protect the tourism sector of the Gambia in the future.
