Various stakeholders visited the country’s Abuko Nature Reserve on January 14, 2025, and uncovered illegal activities threatening the reserve’s integrity. These included unauthorized waste dumping, the establishment of over eight unapproved football fields, land being used for farming, and partial destruction of the reserve’s fencing.
These actions are reportedly being carried out by neighboring communities, including Abuko, Lamin, Banjulinding, and Kunkujang. They pose significant risks to the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the country’s only urban nature park.
The visiting group included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNR), the Department of Forestry, the Department of Wildlife, representatives from the National Assembly Select Committee, local leaders such as the Chief of Busumbala, Alkalos, and councilors.
The visit comes amid increasing pressure from environmentalists, conservationists, and civil society organizations urging the Government of The Gambia to reconsider its earlier decision to degazette parts of the Abuko Nature Reserve, which President Adama Barrow’s Cabinet had approved earlier.
During a recent visit to the Abuko Nature Reserve, stakeholders uncovered significant encroachments affecting the area. One source from the delegation reported the discovery of approximately nine unauthorized football fields, multiple dumping sites, tree-cutting activities, and damage to sections of the park’s perimeter fence. These activities are attributed primarily to neighboring communities, including Abuko, Lamin, Banjulinding, and Kunkujang Keitaya.
Responding to these findings, stakeholders have proposed several recommendations. These include immediately fencing the nature reserve’s perimeter, relocating the football fields to land designated for Gamcel in Abuko, and increasing local authorities’ awareness of the importance of protecting the park.
Hon. Yaya Gassama, the National Assembly member for Kiang East and chairman of the Environmental Committee, confirmed that the Ministry of Environment organized the visit to assess the extent of encroachment on the reserve. He noted that the delegation observed various illegal activities, such as waste dumping and using specific areas for farming.
Hon. Gassama mentioned relocating all football fields within the reserve to the Gamcel land among the proposed recommendations.
He also indicated that subcommittees within the task force have been established to address the recommendations, which will involve engaging with Gamcel regarding the identified land and securing funding for the necessary fencing.
In September 2024, the Gambia Government announced plans to de-reserve part of the Abuko nature reserve, a highly sought-after tourist attraction and ecological site. Environmental groups, including prominent environmental activists, expressed grave concern that the site was under threat.
“We strongly oppose the Government’sGovernment’s decision to de-reserve parts of Abuko Nature Reserve for stadium development. This critical ecological site must be protected for future generations, not sacrificed for short-term projects,” The Gambia Environmental Alliance, a group of Environmental activists, said in a statement issued following the government’s decision to de-reserve part of the site.
Due to raised concerns, the government reversed its initial plan after facing significant pressure from environmentalists and conservationists.
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