Ndey Adama Jobe
Two prominent Gambian environmentalists, Mr. Ebrima Jawara, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, and Mr. Sisawoh Sabally, Regional Forestry Officer for the West Coast Region, recently took part in a seminar on comprehensive sustainable forest management under the South-South Cooperation for developing countries, as well as the 2025 World Forestry Industry Conference in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China.
The seminar was organized by the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration of China and funded by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Its primary objective was to strengthen bilateral relationships between China and developing countries through South-South cooperation. The Gambian delegates were highly recognized during the conference for showcasing The Gambia’s efforts in sustainable forest management.
According to Mr. Jawara, the seminar focused on China’s sustainable forest management practices and achievements, with discussions on how these lessons could be applied in participating countries. All participants were subsequently invited to attend the World Forestry Industry Conference, which coincided with the seminar.
The Gambian delegation highlighted The Gambia’s initiatives, including the country’s forest policy promoting private sector and community involvement, the bush fire policy, the Forestry Strategy and Action Plans, and the transfer of forest ownership and user rights to local communities through government gazette. They also noted the integration of the military into forest monitoring and law enforcement, with a senior army officer appointed as Director of Forestry to support these activities.
Both environmentalists expressed appreciation for the best practices learned and felt honored to contribute to global efforts in sustainable forest management.
