Restoring Dalaba forest in The Gambia's North Bank

1. Background and Problem Statement

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992, identified desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss as the greatest challenges to sustainable development. The North Bank Region (NBR) of The Gambia is recognized as the most affected by deforestation in the country. The Baddibu area of the NBR has lost much of its forest cover, and the Dalaba Community Forest is one of the few remaining forests in the area. The community forest was set aside by Suwareh Kunda village to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals and NBSAP targets while addressing various agro-environmental problems, including deforestation, unsustainable fuelwood collection, unsustainable agricultural practices, transhumance, and lack of alternative income-generating activities.

2. Mission

This project contributes to a global movement to preserve dry forests at international and national levels. Locally, the mission is to reverse desertification processes, achieve land degradation neutrality, and reduce agro-environmental issues affecting the community.

3. Solution

The project addresses four key issues: protecting and restoring the community forest's biological diversity, enhancing forest management, ensuring sustainable resource utilization, and creating income-generating activities. Specific objectives and actions have been developed for each issue with defined indicators and verification methods.

4. Opportunity

This project will preserve biological diversity and ecological integrity while creating income opportunities for women and youth, reducing pressure on forest resources. The forest contains rare protected species, including African rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus), which is endangered and nearly extinct in the country due to logging.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

A baseline report will be prepared before project launch to guide implementation and evaluation. Midpoint and final evaluations will assess progress and sustainability. All monitoring will be based on defined indicators and shared through social media and other channels.

6. Communication and Visibility

Project visibility will be ensured through electronic, radio, and print channels during four stages: before launch, during implementation, at completion, and after project closure. Press releases, media invitations, and documentary materials will publicize major events. Social media groups and traditional communicators will facilitate regular updates.

7. Sustainability

Social Sustainability: Community ownership, stakeholder capacity development, gender equality with 30% women staff, and sustainable alternative income will ensure social sustainability.

Environmental Sustainability: Protection and planting of native species will maintain forest diversity and environmental services.

Financial and Economic Sustainability: Ecotourism activities, income-generating activities, and training programs will ensure financial viability.

Capacity Development Sustainability: Training will equip forest managers and stakeholders with necessary skills for long-term management and sustainable practices.