On this International Forest Day, March 21st 2025, the Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) issues an urgent call for the protection of The Gambia’s forests, which are under severe threat from deforestation, encroachment, and unsustainable development.
Forests such as the Abuko Nature Reserve, Sukuta Salagi Forest, Manduar Community Forest and Nyanibereh Forest in the Lower River Region are facing unprecedented challenges that jeopardize their ecological integrity and the livelihoods they support.The Abuko Nature Reserve, a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation for over 50 years, is threatened by proposals to de-reserve portions of the forest for infrastructure projects.
This action risks irreparable harm to its ecosystem, which serves as a sanctuary for countless species and acts as a natural buffer against climate change impacts. Similarly, the Sukuta Salagi Forest and Nianibere Forest are succumbing to rapid urbanization and illegal activities that undermine their vital role in climate resilience and support for local communities.
GEA condemns these actions as violations of The Gambia’s commitments under international conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These forests are not merely resources; they are lifelines for current and futuregenerations. Their destruction would exacerbate flooding, disrupt ecosystems, and deprive local communities of essential benefits like non-timber forest products.
As the primary governing body for environmental organizations in The Gambia, GEA reaffirms its commitment to defending these critical ecosystems. Since its establishment in 2021, GEA has worked tirelessly with communities, government agencies, and international partners to promote sustainable forest management.
Through advocacy, tree planting initiatives, and educational campaigns, we have supported efforts to restore degraded lands and empower communities to take charge of their natural heritage.“We will not relent,” said a GEA spokesperson. “Our forests are not commodities for short-term gains; they are legacies that define us as a nation.
We urge the government to halt all plans that threaten our protected areas and instead invest in their restoration and sustainable management.” GEA calls on all Gambians to join this fight. Together, we can ensure that our forests, including Abuko, Sukuta Salagi, and Nyanibereh, remain vibrant ecosystems that support biodiversity, combat climate change, and sustain livelihoods for generations to come.
