Posted by By: Modou Kanteh
The issue of climate change has become a big name around the globe and The Gambia is not an exception to the phenomenon of climate change. Against this backdrop the Department of Water Resources and Food and Agriculture Organization under the Letter of Agreement gathered stakeholders and experts on climate change in Brikama for a three days training on monitoring the impacts of climate change on fisheries and mangroves.
In his statement at the gathering, the Deputy Director at the Department of Water Resources, Mr. Foday Conteh who deputized for his director applauded Green Climate and FAO for supporting the Climate Resilient Fishery Initiative for Livelihood Improvement Project (PROREFISH) in the country. He said the fragile ecosystems of mangroves and fisheries are not merely subjects of scientific inquiry, but an essential component of the global ecosystem. According to Mr. Conteh, Mangroves provide critical habitats for countless species, support coastal communities, and act as natural buffers against storm surges and coastal erosion.
“Mangroves are facing unprecedented threats due to climate change,” Conteh said. He pointed out that the importance of the workshop cannot not be over emphasized. He called on participants to be steadfast in their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“Let us remember that our actions today will shape the world tomorrow. Together, we have the power to preserve and protect our natural heritage for generations to come,” Foday Conteh said.
During these three days, participants are expected to discuss and strategize ways to address the challenges that climate change poses to Fisheries and mangroves.
The three days training workshop was officially opened by Musa Baldeh, a representative of the governor of the West Coast Region.