Gambia launches two projects to restore ecosystems
The Great Green Wall RECOSERV Gambia Project and FARM-Plus Project aim to combat land degradation and deforestation.
The Gambia launched two five-year projects on Tuesday to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable agriculture. The Great Green Wall (GGW) RECOSERV Gambia Project and the FARM-Plus Project were initiated to combat climate change, deforestation, and land degradation. These initiatives are funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and will be executed by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
The RECOSERV Gambia project aims to restore 43,000 hectares of forest and wetland ecosystems, improve management across 38,000 hectares of protected areas, and introduce sustainable practices on 36,000 hectares of rural landscapes. These interventions are expected to benefit approximately 795,000 people, primarily women. FAO Country Representative Moshibudi Rampedi stated that the projects will help farmers adopt alternatives that reduce harmful chemicals, conserve water, and minimize waste.
Minister of Agriculture Demba Sabally described the projects as a commitment to combating desertification and securing agricultural land productivity. The FARM-Plus project will focus on strengthening policies, improving access to finance and insurance, building technical capacity, and promoting sustainable value chains for climate-smart agriculture. Minister of Environment Rohey John Manjang emphasized that success will be measured by the survival of restored forests and tangible improvements in livelihoods.
Why it mattersThe projects aim to restore 43,000 hectares of degraded forest and wetland ecosystems and introduce sustainable practices on 36,000 hectares of rural landscapes, benefiting 795,000 people.