By Isatou Jawara
The Gambia has demonstrated strong ambition in combating climate change by submitting a Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC2) in 2021 widely commended for being the only NDC that is 1.5oC compatible.
In line with the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement of 25 April 2016, the Gambia is one of only two countries to have made significant progress in limiting temperature increases within the 1.5 degrees Celsius range by the end of the 21st Century. The country has also developed an ambitious plan for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 called The Gambia Long Term Neutral Development Strategy 2050 or LTS for short.
This LTS was developed by the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA). It was an inclusive process with various stakeholders including Government Ministries, NGOs, the Private Sector, and International Development Partners.
The Minister of Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources Hon Rohey John Manjang has said that The Gambia LTS is built upon the Gambia National Climate Policy and the NDCs shall complement the Green Recovery Focused of the National Development Plan 2023-2027 and Long Term Development Vision 2050 currently being formulated under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.
The Environment Minister made these remarks during the Validation Workshop of the Gambia Long Term Climate Neutral Development Strategy 2050 (LTS) which was attended by various government stakeholders, the private sector and NGOs held on 9 September 2022 at Ocean Bay Hotel, Cape Point.
“But the journey does not stop at the strategy and planning level we must implement the LTS and other complementary plans and strategies smartly and holistically not only as part of our commitment to the national development but our solemn duty and obligation for a better resilience planet better than it is today for generations yet unborn” the Hon Minister Concluded.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) from the Ministry of Finance Mrs. Juldeh Ceesay said that The Gambia Government needs the necessary funds for the effective implementation of the strategy, resource mobilization and financial delivery mechanism by all actors.
DPS Ceesay explained that the Finance and Environment Ministries will continue to work together to ensure that the Gambia Climate Change Fund and the domestic resources are allocated to climate action as part of Government’s approach to addressing climate calamity. She added that the establishment of the Gambia Climate Change Fund is capable of drawing down multiple resources of international and national finance.
