Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-01 08:00:00
The Coalition of The Gambia Environment Organization (CGEO) recently organized a stakeholder consultative forum focused on the protection of Kotu Creek/Cycle Track as an Indigenous Community Conservation Area (ICCA) at Badala Park Hotel in Manjai Kunda. The forum brought together various stakeholders committed to environmental conservation and protection.
Saikou Janko, the President of CGEO, expressed his appreciation for the stakeholders’ participation in the forum. He highlighted that CGEO, established two years ago, has been actively engaged in wetland restoration efforts. The organization has played a crucial role in safeguarding wetlands at Kotu Old cycle track and intervening at Nyambai Forest Park. Janko emphasized the importance of preserving wetlands in The Gambia and stressed that CGEO members possess substantial experience in environmental protection.
Janko also praised the West African Birds Study Association (WABSA) members, particularly their executive director Lamin Jobarteh, for their leadership in the conservation process. He called upon Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across the country to collaborate with CGEO in its mission to protect the environment. The participants were commended for their active involvement in the forum, and environmental organizations were acknowledged for their collective efforts in opposing detrimental developments at Kotu Old Cycle Track.
Lamin Jobarteh encouraged environmental activists to act as vigilant watchdogs for their surroundings. He underlined that environmental conservation entails the safeguarding, preservation, and restoration of ecosystems and natural resources. By serving as guardians of the environment, individuals can contribute significantly to the sustainability and well-being of their surroundings.
The forum served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to environmental protection in The Gambia. It highlighted the importance of collective action in safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainable practices. The discussions and insights shared during the forum underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to address environmental challenges and conserve biodiversity.
The engagement of diverse stakeholders, including environmental organizations, community groups, and conservationists, in initiatives like the protection of Kotu Creek/Cycle Track as an ICCA demonstrates a growing recognition of the significance of environmental conservation in The Gambia. Through collaborative efforts and shared commitment, stakeholders can work towards creating a more sustainable and resilient environment for present and future generations.
Overall, the stakeholder consultative forum organized by CGEO provided a valuable platform for fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and mobilizing collective action towards environmental conservation in The Gambia. The forum’s outcomes are expected to catalyze ongoing efforts to protect the country’s natural resources and promote a more harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
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