The presentation ceremony took place at the Organisation’s Sea Turtle Breeding site at Sanyang Beach in Kombo South District, West Coast Region.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, project director for GEF (6) Land/Seascape Planning and Ecosystems Restoration Project, Ousainou Touray explained that the GEF 6 Project is a five-year project at a tune of D5.6 million. He added that the project will run from 2020-2025. “The project comes into being in order to strengthen government efforts in protecting and managing our environment,” Mr. Touray said.
Mr. Touray applauded the executive director of Smile for Life Organisation - The Gambia for the concern they have for the environment and urged them to continue with the good work.
Program manager for Smile for Life Organisation - The Gambia, Kaddijatou Badjie said protecting endangered species such as turtles lies at the core of her organisation’s mission.
She assured of her organisation’s commitment to ensure the sustainability of turtles and safeguarding their habitats for future generations. She explained that the materials presented to them will undoubtedly strengthen their capacity to carry-out their conservation work easily.
“Let me extend my deepest gratitude to NEA through GEF (6) project for their unwavering support and commitment to environmental conservation in the country,” said Madam Badjie.
She enjoyed all to commit themselves to the protection of our natural world and to the preservation of its fragile beauty, adding that: “together we can make a meaningful impact to ensure sustainable future of our planet and all its inhabitants.”
Program Manager and Head of Coastal and Marine Environment at NEA, Lamin Komma said NEA’s key mandates is to manage and protect the environment.
“We collaborate with all sectors in order to make sure that our environment is managed. We need to protect our environment for our future leaders because a lot of things are going on within our environment,” Mr. Komma informed.
He advised the organisation’s executive director and his members not to misuse the materials presented to them but instead use them for the purpose they are meant for.
Materials presented were: 20 bicycles, 20 head lights, 20 rain coats, 20 rain boots and 70 turtle nests.
