The GCCA was launched in 2007 by the European Commission to support developing countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and The Gambia is among 38 countries in 8 regions that are currently benefiting.
The objective of the two-year support project, is financed at the tune of €3.86M by the EU, for integrated coastal zone management.
In his launching statement, the permanent secretary Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr Abdoulie Jallow, said: “Climate change constitutes one of the greatest burdens to national development efforts as the productive base of the economy thrives on climate-sensitive activities, such as crop production, livestock raising, fisheries, energy, water resources and tourism. Climate events like flooding have in recent years become less predictable, and more severe in terms of impacts and frequency. Communities living in The Gambia’s low-lying coastal regions are especially at risk. Coastal areas, close to the capital, Banjul, have higher rates of poverty, and people are heavily reliant on natural resources like fisheries and marine resources for their livelihoods. The Gambia’s commitment to tackling the effects of climate change is reflected in its first national communication to the UN framework convention on climate change, UNFCCC (2003), the National adaptation programme for action (NAPA), the second Gambia Environmental Action Plan (GEAP-2008), the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs-2011), and the programme for Accelerated growth and employment (PAGE-country’s development agenda covering 2012-2015).”
Also speaking, Agnes Guilaud, the EU charge d’ affaires in The Gambia said: “The Gambia’s low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change in part including sea level rise, increased coastal line intrusion and flooding during torrential rains. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable due to a lot of concentration of socio-economic activities and people. The coastal erosion on the Atlantic coastline is a serious threat which is exacerbated by sea level rise in some areas. The beach has been retreating at a rate of 1.2 metres a year, threatening tourism, infrastructure and associated social livelihoods like fishermen and even people living close to the seashores.”
She added: “The overall Global Climate Change have funding close to Euros 300M targeting 38 countries including The Gambia as well as eight regions and sub-regions,” she disclosed, adding: “The Gambia will benefit Euros 3.86 million for the project.”
Representing the Minister, Demba Bah, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Energy said: “In most cases, governments are often forced to repeatedly commit limited resources for interventions aimed at decreasing community vulnerability and mitigation. The Gambia has 70 km of open Atlantic Ocean coast and the project would go a long way in ameliorating the degradation of coastal areas.”
By Ousman Bojang
& Lamin Njie