WFD launches environmental project worth D2.1M

The 30,000 dollar project, officials said, is equivalent to about 2.1 million dalasis. The launching ceremony was held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Bakau.

The project, the added, is aimed at engaging and involving parliamentarians and vulnerable groups in the country on environmental issues. The project, they continued, is given to all African countries of the commonwealth that are part of WFD.

Tabou Njie Sarr, Country Director of Westminster Foundation, spoke at length on the importance of the project in the country, claiming that the country is “struggling when it comes to climate change.”

“The effect of climate change is being seen every day due to the pattern of the rainfall, floods among others. Therefore, we want to engage in adaptability and also include parliamentarians who are the legislative body of the country for the project,” she said.

The project, she explained, will last for a period of one year. However, the $30, 000 is designed for the six months period of the project.

She added: “We made a research and realised that there are gaps in the legislation when it comes to instruments on the environment, thus that is why we are involved in climate related issues.” 

The project, she added, is “conceived with a view to ensure that NAMs are well-informed on environment related issues. Our desire is to ensure that when an Act or Policies comes to the parliament, they will have the capacity to come up with better policies for the country especially in relation to climate change.”

She reiterated the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in confronting the environmental challenges that is before everyone. 

“By working together, we can ensure that our actions today lead to a more sustainable and resilient future for all. I remain confident that through our collective efforts, we will make significant progress in addressing climate change, preserving our natural resources, and promoting sustainable development,” she stated.

The British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Her Excellency Harriet King, said their mission is to create a “world free from poverty. It is important to bring together these two issues which are the environment and climate change together including democracy in order to address topics related to these menaces alongside lawmakers.”

She continued: “In the face of a rapidly warming world and increasing environmental uncertainties, there is need for robust, coordinated action that has never been more urgent. The impacts of climate change are already being felt globally, thus we must collectively rise to meet these challenges with resilience and foresight,” she emphasised.

Hon. Yahya Gassama, the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Environment, said the parliament plays a pivotal role in this effort. “As the primary law-making institution, we are charged with enacting comprehensive legislation that safeguards our natural resources, promotes biodiversity conservation, and mitigates the effects of climate change. Therefore, a strong legal framework is essential not only to protect our environment but also to ensure that future generations inherit a sustainable and thriving planet.”

“As representatives of the people, we also have a duty to ensure that the voices of all citizens, especially those most affected by environmental changes, are heard and reflected in national policy.”