Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

More than 119 species of migratory water bird exist the in Gambia [ ] 109 Capacity building initiatives enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation The participation of local commu- nities has been improved with the establishment of Site Management Committees in all of the protected areas (PAs), and the formation of Community Forest Committees (CFCs). The community owned protected areas have eased the pro- cess of expanding the boundaries of Kiang west National Park and the designation of the new protected area (Jokadu National Park) that has in- creased protected area coverage from 51,240ha to 71,526ha. These processes have enabled the incorporation of other ecosystems into an existing network of protected areas and, as a result, have encour- aged diversification of governance styles that, in a broad perspective, has contributed to achieving the Aichi biodiversity targets. In the quest for sustainable financ- ing of protected areas, the Gambia has successfully developed guidelines for private sector involvement that have brought about collaboration between the department and Eagle Heights (a UK charity organization). The Eagle Heights project is designed to reintroduce wildlife species in Abuko and Kiang west national park. The department has successfully developed a tourism package with some local private investors — Snake farm, Tanji Eco-camp, Tanji Village museum and Tanji bird reserve. A proposed crocodile trophy hunting programme is being explored for future revenue generation. A Bio- diversity Trust Fund has already been established with proceeds of US$ 40,000 as seed money for PA financing sustainability options. Under GEF financing with the im- plementation of the World Bank and UNDP executed projects, six protected area management plans were devel- oped. The participation of multiple stakeholders has enhanced planning of conservation management activities and participatory zoning of the areas. Community livelihood projects have been developed through sponsored programmes (beekeeping, garden- ing, village banking schemes, oyster farming initiatives, village woodlots). Plans for the capitalization of future opportunities have also been set. To improve institutional capacity of the department of parks and wildlife management, a proposal has been developed to turn the institution into an autonomous organization under the guidance of Zambia Technical assistance. This proposal is currently being reviewed by cabinet. Under the (GBMIS) project, 25 staff have benefited from a series of train- ing courses at certificate, diploma and masters degree level in the field of wildlife conservation and natural resources management, enhancing capacity for biodiversity conservation. Wire-tailed swallow (Hirundo smithii) Gambia (the) T he Gambia is a small Sahelian country, bordered by Senegal and extending to the western coast of Africa. It covers a total land area of approximately 10,689 km 2 . With its characteristic Sudan Savanna woodland vegetation, the country has the following main ecosystem types: forest (closed and open woodland ecosystem); agricultural (arable and rangeland ecosystems); marine and coastal; inland water (wetlands) and terrestrial (tree/shrub savanna). The Gambia is endowed with a high diversity of plant and animal species. The components of biodiversity embrace the wild fauna and flora and associated ecosystems as well as the domestic species. Frans Vandewalle on flickr