By Olimatou Coker
The Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM) and the Gambia Mangrove Consortium (GMC) organised a series of stakeholder consultation meetings in regions across the country regarding the development of the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem in The Gambia, through REDD called the REDD + Mechanism project.
The eight-day synergies commenced in the Greater Banjul Area on Friday, and made its way to West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, and Central River regions, respectively.
Kawsu Jammeh, a member of the traveling delegation, said the project is being supported by the Danish firm Orsted Nature Based Solutions.
Founder and managing director of Cameroon-based S2 Services, who doubles as facilitator during the meetings, Mr Durando Ndongsok, said their objective is to halt the destruction of mangroves in The Gambia.
He outlined the project objectives, saying that it will strengthen conservation capacity of Protected Areas (PA) and other effective area-based conservation measures.
“[It will] improve community livelihood and natural resources management, and enhance capacity building and institutional development among others,” he said.
Mr Ndongsok said that if deforestation of mangroves ends, people can have carbon credits.
“We will make a follow-up to make sure what we are doing is in compliance with the people, and we will make consultations to make sure everybody’s concern regarding the project development [is heard].”
The environment minister was represented by Abubacarr Saidou Jallow, and Mawdo Jallow, deputy director, DPWM represented his office.
