Why The Gambia needs a new development vision
The destruction and degradation of wetlands in The Gambia should concern every citizen, not only environmentalists and conservation organisations. This is fundamentally an economic development issue with direct implications for public revenue, rural livelihoods, food security, employment, climate resilience and the future of our country.
Consider the Tanbi Wetland Complex, one of The Gambia’s most important ecological assets. Covering approximately 6,000 hectares, Tanbi supports fisheries, oyster harvesting, agriculture, biodiversity and other livelihood activities. It also provides natural protection against coastal erosion and flooding, particularly for communities around Banjul and the surrounding areas. Yet, the ecosystem has faced increasing development pressures, including concerns over land reclamation, mangrove clearing and inappropriate construction. In May 2024, the Ministry of Lands ordered a suspension of development within the wetland following public concerns. Subsequent allegations of mangrove clearing and wetland backfilling further demonstrated the need for effective environmental governance.
What should concern us is not simply the loss of trees or natural habitats, but the economic opportunities being put at risk. A properly protected Tanbi Wetland Complex could support sustainable fisheries, community-based ecotourism, oyster enterprises, mangrove restoration and blue-carbon financing. Its natural flood-protection services also help protect homes, businesses, roads and public infrastructure. Replacing these natural services with expensive engineering interventions could impose substantial costs on the state and taxpayers.
The Kotu wetlands present another important example. The Kotu Stream catchment covers approximately 1,881 hectares, stretches 11.2 kilometres and passes through 11 settlements. Its wetlands and drainage systems play an important role in urban flood management and support communities whose livelihoods depend on the surrounding natural environment. In October 2024, concerns were reported about more than 40 rice farmers and birdwatchers potentially losing access to wetland areas following reported land allocations to investors. The issue raises important questions about land governance, community rights and whether development decisions adequately consider the economic and ecological value of existing land uses.
We must also look beyond Greater Banjul. The Bintang-Bolong Estuary and the wider Kiang West landscape demonstrate how healthy ecosystems can support rural economic transformation. Mangroves provide breeding and nursery habitats for fish, while surrounding landscapes offer opportunities for sustainable fisheries, community forestry, beekeeping, horticulture, ecotourism and blue-carbon initiatives. These are not merely conservation activities; they can become important sources of employment and household income when supported by appropriate policies, investment and community participation.
From my experience as an environmental conservationist and development practitioner, particularly through community-based mangrove restoration, environmental policy engagement and sustainable livelihood initiatives, I have seen the potential for rural communities to become active participants in protecting natural resources while benefiting economically from their sustainable management. Our communities should not be treated merely as beneficiaries of development projects. They should be recognised as economic partners and custodians of the natural resources that sustain our country.
This is why I believe the next government must reconsider how wetlands are valued in national development planning. Before approving developments in ecologically sensitive areas, there should be credible environmental and social impact assessments that consider the long-term economic consequences of ecosystem degradation. We must ask what the country stands to gain, what natural assets and livelihoods could be lost, who benefits from the proposed development and who bears the environmental and economic costs.
A future UDP-led government, working through the Gambia First Coalition, should make wetland protection and sustainable utilisation an integral part of its national development agenda. This should include a comprehensive economic valuation of major wetlands, stronger enforcement against illegal reclamation and pollution, investment in ecosystem restoration, support for community-based conservation and the development of sustainable enterprises that generate income for local people.
We also need a practical framework through which communities protecting wetlands can benefit from the economic opportunities associated with conservation. Women involved in oyster harvesting, fish processing and horticulture should receive greater support. Young people should have opportunities in ecotourism, environmental monitoring, mangrove nurseries, restoration enterprises and other green economic activities. Local authorities should also be empowered to participate in sustainable wetland management and benefit from the responsible development of their natural assets.
The recently validated National Wetland Policy provides an important foundation. However, policies cannot protect ecosystems simply by existing on paper. They require political commitment, adequate financing, institutional coordination, effective enforcement and meaningful community participation.
As a loyal UDP supporter, I want the party’s leadership to understand that rescuing The Gambia must also mean protecting the natural wealth upon which millions of livelihoods and future economic opportunities depend. We cannot continue to pursue development models that sacrifice productive ecosystems without properly accounting for the consequences. Buildings, roads and commercial infrastructure are importantly, but development should never be measured exclusively by physical construction while ignoring the natural capital that sustains our economy.
Our wetlands are not vacant land waiting to be allocated. They are productive ecosystems, natural infrastructure and economic assets. A healthy wetland supports fisheries, protects communities from flooding, sustains biodiversity, stores carbon, attracts visitors and creates livelihood opportunities. Destroying such an asset without proper assessment is potentially destroying national wealth.
I want to see a government that understands this relationship and places environmental conservation at the centre of economic planning, rural development and youth empowerment. The Gambia has considerable opportunities to create a green economy, but this requires leadership that sees environmental protection not as a burden on development but as an investment in national prosperity.
The Gambia cannot afford to destroy the very natural resources that could help finance its development, sustain its communities and provide employment for future generations. Protecting our wetlands is not simply about saving the environment; it is about protecting our economy and investing in the future of our people.
The Gambia first. People first. Sustainable development first.
By Ansumana Darboe
