The rapid loss of the Gambia’s flora and fauna is a grave concern to many environmentalists especially for the members of the Gunjur Youth for Environment who had an important roundtable meeting with the newly appointed British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Mr. David Belgrove OBE, with other environmental youth networks from across the country on Friday, October 23, 2020.
The meeting accorded the President of the Gunjur Youth for Environment (GYE) the opportunity to discuss environmental issues surrounding sustainability and the protection with the British diplomat in the Gambia whilst describing the audience as productive. “It was a pleasure meeting High Commissioner David Belgrove OBE for the first time as the meeting was centered on many issues of mutual concern.” the GYE president said.
Mr. Sulayman Bojang explained that, the meeting availed them the chance to highlight their past situation, current realities and their aims and objectives for the future as well as what needs to be done to get to the promised land in terms environmental targets for the country.
The environmentalist and President of the Gunjur Youth for Environment and other fellow environmental activists pledged their untiring efforts to conserve the environment in the Gambia for today and for the future, saying they will endeavour to protect as much as possible the remaining flora and fauna of the country.
“The agenda of the meeting was centered on the current environmental challenges, efforts through restoration, mitigation, and preservation methods in order to provide conducive, sustainable environment and development.” he added.
For his part, the British diplomat David Belgrove OBE dilated on the importance of the special relationship between youth networks in the fight against climate and environmental challenges saying it is important to cement ties with the youth and communities.
He further stressed the importance of community development which has a direct connection to the environment, adding that it is essential to ensure that all the relevant stakeholders are engaged and are ready to play their vital parts in order to make a positive outcome in the near future.
The Gambian youth environmentalists took the opportunity to thank the British High Commissioner David Belgrove OBE for the audience.