Speaking at the official launching of Climate Watch-The Gambia held at Tanji village, he postulated: “The fast and total commitment of the government to climate change was because The Gambia is among those countries most vulnerable to climate change. As a low-lying country, climate change poses major development challenges as productive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, wildlife and tourism could be adversely affected by rises in sea level. It has been estimated that more than 80 percent of the country’s domestic energy comes from biomass (wood). The combustion of biomass releases large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
“The population (women and children) in the coastal areas and the hinterland are the major targets of CWG. Women are engaged in agriculture, petty trade, fish processing and marketing. These women are also responsible for domestic water consumption, which has direct link with climate change such as flooding and in extreme conditions drought. In severe climate conditions, the education, livelihood, and other social activities of the children are affected. The move also includes the highest level of government for establishing the National Assembly enacted National Environment Management Act (NEMA) in 1994 and the National Environment Agency (NEA) in 1995. The ultimate goal of this agency is to achieve the essential policy objectives of The Gambia Environmental Action Plan (GEAP).”
Jabai reminded the gathering of The Gambia’s obligations assumed through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1994, committing the country to the adoption and implementation of policies and measures mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting to its adverse effects.
Climate Watch The Gambia is a community-based organisation established in December 2014 to complement government’s effort and to help improve the lives and livelihoods of women and children who are the most vulnerable group to the impact of climate change in The Gambia.
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