As the world races against climate change and its devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of people, Gambian environmentalists and climate scientists have formed a grouping called Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA), comprising over 25 climate conscious organizations, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) across the country.
The climate change convergence occurred in March 2022, in a bid to galvanize collective efforts in tackling the climate crisis and its effects in the Gambia.
In an exclusive telephone interview with the Secretary General (SG) of the Alliance, Mr. Muhammed Hydara, on March 31, 2022, he informed this medium that the alliance was formed to combine individuals’ efforts and to communicate environmental entrepreneurship strategies as a union, stressing “unity is strength”. He said their Alliance would help in disseminating advocacy strategies and technologies, and collectively render support to members of the alliance or communities whenever the need arises. SG Hydara added the movement is a cocktail of mixed seasoned environmentalists and climate change scientists both in terms of age and experiences. He also pointed out the Gambia is known for using different means to climate change adaptation strategies such as the regular tree planting, beach-ups and excellent policy frameworks.
Hyadara, notwithstanding, lamented that the country faces stark marine ecosystem challenges with dire consequences such as over-fishing, which has led to what he described as “fundamental food insecurity and poor waste management mechanism”.
Some nutrition concerned Gambians have argued that this is a recipe for the poor nutrition levels in the Gambia because, in their view, majority of Gambian families rely on seafood such as ‘finishes’ for nutrition supplements on a daily basis.
Hydara observed that Gambian Regions like North Bank and Upper River are facing severe deforestation, while Lower River Region is badly battling with salt intrusion in its rice fields. He described these as pressing environmental issues the country faces; and “we [GEA] are here to help government meet its national environmental targets”.
SG Hydara–a one-time Coordinator of the Gambia Ocean Heroes (GOH)–disclosed that he has helped mobilize environmental volunteers, and also bankrolled several environmental activities when he was in charge of the 80-kilometer ocean belt which stretches from Barra to Kartong coastal villages.
Among the environmental projects he oversaw was the installation of waste bins along the Senegambia beach, which he said has significant impact on that beach, contributing to its serene environment. Hydara said their objective is to check on government…in case it wants to endanger communities’ lands in the country, by raising awareness.
“Our goal is to bring everyone onboard in this alliance. Climate change is a crisis that is affecting the entire continent and partnerships are already underway around the sub-region,” stated the GEA SG.
The following are currently serving as executive members;
Modou Inkeh Bah – President
Sariba Jammeh -Vice President
Muhammed Hydara – Secretary General
Fatou A Jeng – Event Organizer
