By: Fatou Krubally
The National Environment Agency (NEA) Tuesday officially launched consultations for The Gambia’s participation in the Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI).
The initiative is a pan-African project aimed at combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and promoting sustainable livelihoods across the Sahel region.
The consultative meeting, held at the Sir Dawda International Conference Centre on Tuesday, brought together key government institutions, technical experts, and development partners.
The Executive Director of NEA, Dr. Dawda Badjie, emphasizes that The Gambia’s membership in the initiative represents more than just tree planting. “It is about growing a green legacy, restoring ecosystems, and creating resilience for our communities,” he said.
Dr. Badjie highlights that the GGWI is a multi-country effort involving nearly 11 nations, supported by the Global Environment Facility and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme. “By joining this initiative, The Gambia can address environmental challenges such as land degradation, desertification, and climate change while fostering regional cooperation and knowledge sharing,” he noted.
NEA Deputy Executive Director Njagga Touray added that the meeting was part of a critical project preparatory stage, stressing the importance of stakeholder consultations. “We are gathering data, sharing ideas, and ensuring that the project reflects the needs of communities, local authorities, and government institutions alike,” he said.
The initiative also aims to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices, improve food security, and empower communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions. NEA’s role includes coordinating the project across government sectors, including forestry, wildlife management, and agriculture, to ensure holistic ecosystem restoration.
Participants agree that collaborative action is key to the success of the Great Green Wall Initiative. The consultative meeting included discussions on project components, anticipated outcomes, and strategies for effective implementation.
NEA officials concluded the session with a call for on-going collaboration and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing that environmental stewardship is a collective responsibility.