By Kemo Kanyi
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Tuesday convened the PROREFISH Gambia Partners’ Forum to review progress in strengthening climate resilience in the country’s fisheries sector and enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable coastal and riverine communities.
The forum, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre under the theme “Resilient Fisheries and Ecosystems: Progress and Partnership,” brought together government officials, development partners and stakeholders to assess the implementation of the PROREFISH Gambia project.
The initiative is being implemented by FAO in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, which serves as the National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund.
The project has a total investment of US$25 million, including US$17.2 million in grant financing from the Green Climate Fund.
Speaking at the forum, FAO Representative to The Gambia, Shibu Rampadi, said the project seeks to strengthen the country’s capacity to adapt to climate change by reducing risks facing the fisheries sector.
She said the initiative aims to reduce the vulnerability of artisanal fisheries infrastructure and equipment to climate-related losses, expand aquaculture to offset declines in capture fisheries caused by climate change, and restore degraded mangrove ecosystems that serve as important fish breeding and nursery grounds.
Rampadi said the partners’ forum provides an opportunity to review progress made under the project’s three main components while identifying opportunities for stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
“The purpose of the forum is to take stock of progress across the project’s three components, including strengthening restoration capacity and community management of artisanal fisheries habitats, aquaculture development and improving climate change adaptation capacities, as well as addressing the challenges encountered,” she said.
She adds that the meeting also seeks to align the PROREFISH Gambia project with broader national efforts to restore mangroves, climate-proof fish landing sites and strengthen sustainable livelihoods in fishing communities.
Rampadi said the forum reflected FAO’s vision of promoting better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life without leaving anyone behind.
She described the gathering as an opportunity to move beyond project implementation towards stronger partnerships and long-term programme development.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Karl Frederick Paul and Isatou F. Camara, Director of Climate Finance at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, also addressed the forum, highlighting the importance of coordinated action to build climate resilience in The Gambia’s fisheries sector.