By Samsideen Ceesay
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare in collaboration with Large-scale Ecosystem-based Adaptation in The Gambia (EbA) project on Tuesday, 6th September, 2022 conducted a 3-day training for partners on the integration of climate change adaptation in the development frameworks, policies, plans and strategies. The training was held at the ministry’s conference hall in Kanifing.
The objective of the training was to raise awareness and understanding of participants on the relationship between gender and climate change vulnerabilities, climate change adaptation strategies and the ecosystem-based management activities being implemented in various regions.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Madam Ndey Marie Njie emphasized the need to obtain the necessary skills on climate change management and adaptation, in order to reduce vulnerabilities particularly on women and children. She dilated on the significance of the training, citing the effects of climate change related flooding in the recent past whilst challenging participants to take the training seriously.
Bubu Pateh Jallow, the National Policy Expert of EbA project in The Gambia said that the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy is to facilitate adaptation mechanisms to mitigate climate related hazards.
He pointed out that to facilitate climate change adaptation, there should be a rehabilitation of early warning systems on climate change related natural hazards, improve water-use efficiency of crops through management of soil fertility, improved irrigation systems and promote and encourage improved post-harvest technologies.
“Enhancing community participation in the management of forests and protected areas, development and implementation of the integrated coastal zone management plan is key in the adaptation drive of climate related hazards in the country,’’ he stated.
