By Kemo Kanyi
The Gambian Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, on Monday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing environmental protection and climate action, including active participation in carbon market mechanisms.
Speaking at a high-level regional meeting of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (WAA), held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Minister Manjang said The Gambia remains a dedicated member of the Alliance and continues to support collective regional efforts on climate action.
She noted that the country is implementing policies aimed at promoting renewable energy, sustainable land use, and environmental conservation, while strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to effectively engage in carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The minister stressed that collective action remains essential in addressing climate change, adding that the Alliance provides a strategic platform for member states to strengthen their bargaining power and improve access to climate finance.
“No country can address climate change alone. Our strength lies in unity and cooperation,” she said.
She further underscored the importance of fair, transparent, and inclusive mechanisms that align with national priorities, warning against systems that exclude local communities or undervalue national assets.
According to her, carbon markets and climate finance represent key tools for achieving climate justice and promoting sustainable economic transformation across the region.
“These mechanisms must work for Africa and respond to our realities,” she added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Coordinator of the Alliance, Ousman Sarr, described the initiative as a structural innovation in climate action, contributing to Africa’s growing role in shaping global carbon markets.
He highlighted progress made by the Alliance, including strengthened cooperation among 16 West African countries, capacity-building initiatives, and expanded opportunities for knowledge sharing among member states.