By Omar Bah
The Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) has expressed deep concern over the Government’s decision to degazette parts of Nyanaberi Forest Park in Jarra and Bijilo National Park for office buildings, hotels, and a village.
The Government’s decision to degazette the forest parks has attracted condemnation from different works of life
In a statement shared with this medium, the Gambia Environmental Alliance wrote: “These forests are vital to The Gambia’s biodiversity, under stress from encroachments and climate change. Bijilo Forest Park (1952) and Nyanaberi Forest Reserve (1954) are home to diverse flora and fauna, including red colobus monkeys, hyenas, and unique bird species. These reserves enrich biodiversity, benefit communities, and boost the national economy through tourism. Degazetting risks the sanctity of these natural habitats and endangers endangered species.”
The alliance urged the Government to reverse the decision and uphold constitutional and legal obligations to protect the environment, notably the Banjul Declaration, Biodiversity and Wildlife Act, and Forestry Act.
“No valid reason justifies degazetting. It threatens the environment, paving the way for further encroachment, as seen in Bijilo Forest Park. Continued encroachment in other locations exacerbates the threat to our environment. Communities already feel the impact of climate change, worsened by uncontrolled forest resource harvesting without restoration. Recent heavy downpours in the Central River Region, attributed to tree depletion, are alarming,” GEA added.
It added that disruption of natural habitats increases conflicts between mammals like monkeys and hyenas and human populations. “Such encroachment jeopardizes safety and well-being. GEA is resolute in its commitment to protecting our natural heritage. The Government must act to safeguard our parks, enforce environmental laws, and mitigate the effects of climate change. We call on all Gambians to recognize their environmental obligations. GEA ensures no forest reserve in The Gambia is degazetted,” GEA concluded.
