The Global Environment Fund (GEF) 6 Land/Seascape Planning and Ecosystems Restoration Project under the National Environment Agency (NEA) recently assisted “Smile for Life The Gambia Organisation” with conservation materials worth D257, 000.00 at an event held at the organisation’s Sea Turtle Breeding site on Sanyang beach in Kombo South District, West Coast Region.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Mr. Ousainou Touray, Project Director, GEF (6) Land/Seascape Planning and Ecosystems Restoration Project, explained that the project is a five-year initiative worth 5.6 million Dalasi and runs from 2020-2025. “This project comes into being to strengthen government’s efforts in protecting and managing our environment,” he added.
Mr. Touray applauded the Executive Director of Smile for The Gambia Organisation for the concern they have for the environment and urged them to continue with the good work.
Kaddijatou Badjie, Programme Manager, Smile for Life The Gambia Organsation, said protecting endangered species such as turtles lies at the core of her organisation’s mission.
She assured of the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of turtles and safeguarding their habitats for future generations.
She affirmed that the materials presented to the organisation will strengthen its capacity to carry out their conservation work easily.
“Let me extend my deepest gratitude to NEA through GEF 6 Project for their unwavering support and commitment to environmental conservation in the country,” Madam Badjie asserted.
She enjoined all to commit themselves to the protection of our natural world and to the preservation of its fragile beauty. “Together we can make a meaningful impact to ensure sustainable future of our planet and all its inhabitants,” she concluded.
Programme Manager and Head of Coastal and Marine Environment at NEA, Mr. Lamin Komma, said NEA’s key mandate is to manage and protect our environment.
“We collaborate with all sectors in order to make sure that our environment is managed. We need to protect our environment for our future leaders because lots of things are going on within our environment,” Mr. Komma cautioned.
He advised the membership of the Organisation to not missuse the materials presented to them; rather use them for the purpose they are meant.
Other speakers like GTBoard Regional Director for West Coast Region, Ida Jeng-Njie; and Landing Jatta, both hailed GEF 6 Project for the gesture.
Materials presented are: 20 bicycles, 20 head lights, 20 rain coats, 20 rain boots and 70 turtle nest information recording boards.
