𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐆 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐑𝐂𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐭

Ahmed Manjang, representing the Gunjur Conservationists and Ecotourism Association (CETAG), is participating in the Regional Forum of the Partnership for Regional Coastal and Marine Conservation (PRCM) taking place in Nouakchott, Mauritania from 27th to 30th April.

Ahmed Manjang of CETAG delivers at 𝐏𝐑𝐂𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐭

At the forum, Manjang of CETAG is contributing to critical discussions on sustainable fisheries management and community-led conservation, addressing two key themes:

1. From Data to Action: Influencing Policy and Management

CETAG has moved beyond fisheries data collection to become a key bridge between communities and policymakers in The Gambia. Through targeted advocacy and partnerships, the organization translates grassroots data into tangible policy outcomes and management actions.

* Driving Policy Change: CETAG recently convened a National Roundtable Dialogue in Sanyang advocating for the strict enforcement of the 9-nautical-mile exclusion zone, aimed at preventing industrial fishing vessels from encroaching on artisanal fishing areas.

* Strategic Partnerships: Working alongside groups such as SANYEPD, AFWIC, and supported by Blue Ventures, CETAG ensures that critical field data—such as juvenile fish catches, illegal fishing gears, and industrial incursions—is brought directly to national decision-makers.

2. Mobilising Coastal Communities Amid Growing Pressures

With increasing threats from fishmeal factories and industrial trawling along The Gambia’s coastline, CETAG is actively mobilising communities, especially young people to safeguard their livelihoods and marine ecosystems.

* Empowering Youth and Women: In collaboration with NASCOM and PONSAFAG, CETAG strengthens the voices of artisanal fishers, ensuring inclusive participation in fisheries governance.

* Environmental Justice Approach: CETAG frames its work around protecting local livelihoods, using evidence-based advocacy to challenge unsustainable exploitation and promote fairness in resource access.

* Community Awareness and Action: Through grassroots forums and campaigns, CETAG educates communities on sustainable practices while building a collective movement for conservation.

Ahmed Manjang speaking at the 𝐏𝐑𝐂𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐭

Strengthening Enforcement and Accountability

CETAG also works closely with stakeholders to improve enforcement of fisheries regulations:

* Facilitating dialogues on enforcing laws related to fishing zones and gear restrictions

* Promoting community monitoring systems based on real-time observations

* Driving public awareness to build national support for sustainable fisheries policies

Recent Advocacy Milestone

In April 2026, CETAG, together with SANYEPD, AFWIC, and other partners submitted a resolution to The Gambia’s National Assembly calling for the legal exclusion of industrial fishing vessels from the artisanal 9-nautical-mile zone. This marks a significant step toward protecting coastal livelihoods and restoring marine ecosystems.