The Government of The Gambia and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) convened the PROREFISH Gambia Partners’ Forum 2026 on 28 July at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. Under the theme “Resilient Fisheries and Ecosystems: Progress and Partnerships,” the forum brought together government institutions, civil society, development partners, and community stakeholders to reflect on achievements and chart new pathways for sustainable fisheries.
Hon. Musa S. Drammeh, Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, described the gathering as a “timely opportunity to evaluate progress and agree concrete actions that will deliver sustainable results for communities that depend on fisheries and aquatic resources.” He reaffirmed government’s commitment to FAO, noting that “through PROREFISH, we are building a fisheries sector that is productive, resilient and environmentally sustainable, and that creates decent livelihoods—particularly for women and young people.”
Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), PROREFISH is a six‑year climate adaptation initiative designed to strengthen ecosystems and livelihoods. Its interventions include mangrove restoration to rebuild breeding habitats, aquaculture expansion to offset climate‑driven declines in capture fisheries, and climate‑proofing artisanal landing sites.
FAO Representative Moshibudi Rampedi emphasized that the project is reducing vulnerabilities by safeguarding infrastructure, restoring degraded mangroves, and equipping communities with adaptive capacities. “We must move from project implementation to programme building, from reporting to strategic reflection, and from partnership to renewed collective commitment,” she urged.
UN Country Coordinator Karl Frederick Paul highlighted PROREFISH’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024–2028) and The Gambia’s Green Recovery Focused National Development Plan. He illustrated its impact with everyday examples: “When a woman dries her catch with less spoilage, her household eats better and earns more. When a cooperative keeps proper records, it becomes a stronger partner for lenders.”
The fisheries sector remains a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy—providing food and nutrition security, employment, export earnings, and household income. Women, in particular, play a central role in processing, marketing, and value addition. By investing in literacy, technical skills, and business capacity, PROREFISH is enabling their stronger participation in the value chain.
As the forum concluded, one message resonated clearly: resilient fisheries are not just about protecting ecosystems—they are about securing livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and ensuring food security for generations to come.
