Gambia Environmental Alliance Challenges Government’s Proposal to De-reserve Portions of Abuko Nature Reserve
By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Environmental Alliance has issued a press statement opposing the government’s plan to de-reserve parts of Abuko Nature Reserve for the construction of a national stadium and a sporting facility in Lamin.
“The Gambia Environmental Alliance strongly condemns the recent decision by the Government of The Gambia, as announced on the State House Facebook page, following a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, 19th September. The agenda included a presentation by the Honourable Minister for Lands, Regional Governments, and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, proposing the de-reserving of parts of Abuko Nature Reserve for the allocation of land to build a national stadium and a sporting facility in Lamin,” The Gambia Environmental Alliance said.
The Alliance described the decision as deeply concerning, stating that it threatens one of the country’s most important ecological sites.
“Abuko Nature Reserve is not only a protected area under Gambian national law, but it also plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, floodplain management, and climate resilience. De-reserving any portion of the reserve for development would cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem, which has been a critical sanctuary for various plant and animal species.
Gambian conservationist Pa Modou Njie emphasized the reserve’s significance: “Abuko Nature Reserve has served as a key ecological site for over 50 years, and its value to both wildlife and the Gambian people cannot be overstated. Sacrificing our natural heritage for short-term infrastructure projects is a disservice to future generations.” They said.
The Gambia Environmental Alliance also highlighted that The Gambia is a signatory to several international conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These treaties, along with national laws such as the Wildlife Conservation Act, emphasize the protection of critical ecosystems like Abuko.
“Any move to de-reserve or develop such areas is in direct violation of these commitments. Building a stadium or any other facility within or near this vital floodplain will have immediate environmental consequences. It could exacerbate flooding, disrupt local ecosystems, and reduce the park’s ability to serve as a natural buffer against climate change impacts. Instead, we urge the government to prioritize improving and maintaining the park’s infrastructure and strengthening the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM),” they said.
The Alliance strongly warned the government against targeting key ecological sites for unsustainable development projects, cautioning that any action to undermine the protection of these sites will be met with strong resistance from concerned citizens and stakeholders dedicated to preserving the country’s natural environment.
“We call on the government to reconsider this decision and work towards a solution that enhances, rather than diminishes, the value of our protected areas. Our environment is not a disposable commodity—it is a lifeline for our future,” they concluded.