By Samsideen Ceesay
Eco Travel Gambia, a community-based organization established with the objective of promoting ecotourism, sustainable development, environmental preservation, and ecological conservation has recently concluded 2018 Gunjur International Bird Fair and Ecotourism conference held at Dalaba Eco-lodge in Gunjur
The organization since its inception in 2013, has been actively involved in promoting the socioeconomic livelihood of the local communities through ecotourism, and as well advocating for environmental and ecological sustainability in The Gambia.
Speaking to The Standard, Omar A.J Saho, program coordinator, Eco Travel Gambia said the objective of the Bird Fair and Ecotourism Conference is to raise awareness about the ecology of birds and birding hotspots in and around Gunjur village, promote ecotourism in Gunjur and promote birding.
“The Gambia has a wide variety of geographical features such as wetlands, forests, and beautiful coastline, all of which provides nesting ground and breeding spot for migratory and endemic birds. The country is rich and unique in ecological resources which need conservation efforts, and wonderful ecotourism resorts in needs of publicity,” he said.
He said the event is The Gambia’s first ever community-based bird watching and ecotourism conference.
He added: “The event brings together over 30 delegates comprising bird experts, bird enthusiastic, ecotourism, local people, and nature lovers from Gambia, Australia, and Holland, in knowing about the ecology of birds and as well about birding.”
Lamin Bojang, birdwatcher and proprietor of Gunjur village museum, Lamin Jassey, public relations officer of Eco Travel Gambia, and Bubacarr Saho, all expressed similar sentiments.
