This event seeks to create an opportunity for environmental activists to better enhance their understanding of pressing environmental issues, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and develop actionable strategies for ongoing projects.
At the opening ceremony, Mr Kaly Ba, Ocean Campaigner of Greenpeace, explained that Greenpeace is committed to supporting CSOs and communities in the frontline of fighting environmental hazards.
“We support by organizing capacity buildings, community outreach among others. This is to enhance their knowledge which will help them claim their environmental rights and ways we can collectively save our environments.” he said.
“We are also involved in grass root sensitization to educate local communities on ways they can preserve and sustain their environment.”
On his part Lamin Jarsey, Executive Director of Gunjur Conservationists and Eco Tourism Association, said “the knowledge gap in environmental activism in Gambia is very wide. Therefore, when you have an opportunity of working with an organization that builds the capacity of young people, those who are into activism work, that's a plus.
“Greenpeace work very hard to maintain and protect our biodiversity in both marine environment and terrestrial environment,” he added.
He further stated “a lot of the places that are under serious threat in the Gambia by either individual or even government themselves, it's the civil society that blows the whistle to say, this is not right. Thus our capacities need to be built to help us better in our fight against environmental crimes.”
He thanked Greenpeace for the opportunity and assured to disseminate knowledge gained.
