By: Lamin B. Darboe
The Executive members of Coalition of Gambia Environment Organisations (CGEOs) recently held an emergency meeting to discuss action plan against the current encroachment on the Old Cycle Track wetland situated at Kotu Wetland.
The encroachment according to the CGEOs happened behind Palma Rima Hotel in Kotu which could result to grabbing or attracting more development in the wetland.
The CGEOs also learnt with dismay that this same wetland is pegged with concrete cement poles, which could be a sign of further land allocations.
The area has continued to attract lots of international bird watching celebrities, as well as international wildlife film makers.
“The Kotu Wetland is the only wetland within the metropolis, in the Kanifing Municipality, that serves as one of the hotspots of the Gambia bird watching areas, where more than 150 species can be seen; including migratory birds that use the area as a stopover site,” CGEOs explained.
This unique fresh water body surrounded by hotels, they added, apart from attracting both local and international bird watchers annually, harbours species of biodiversity importance.
According to the CGEOs, many youths, both men and women in the area venture into seedling productions, rice farming, vegetable gardening, tourist guide among others, and that local bird watchers associations, environmentalists, students and researchers also visit the area, for multiple purposes.
The wetland also serves as a perfect habitat or breeding ground to a growing number of bird species or insects.
The President of CGEO, Seeku Janko explained that few years ago the area was about to be developed by certain individuals when he organized a press conference in the area, which resulted to the halting of development in the area.
Mr. Janko informed that during their subsequent meetings, the West African Bird Study Association (WABSA) under its executive director Lamin Jobaate and a member of CGEO was tasked to start engaging the relevant department to start the process of developing frameworks that Kotu Wetlands can become an indigenous community conservation area.
Mr Janko said his organisation members have pledged to safeguard the Kotu Wetlands and the Cycle Track and will conduct consultations with the communities of Kotu, Dippa Kunda, Latrikunda and Manjai Kunda.
Another key recommendation CGEOs came-up with during their meeting, was to consult the new land reform taskforce committees established by Ministry of Lands to advise them to include Kotu Wetlands in their consultancy work.
“CGEOs members are willing to give technical advice to the said committee about key biodiversity areas in The Gambia that need urgent protection. CGEO members also embark on activities like tree planting,” the president highlighted.
He hailed UN and ECOWAS for raising his organisation’s voice higher on the current unsustainable use of land in The Gambia which could pose great threats to present and future generations.
