Ms. Rohey John Manjang, Honourable Minister giving Her Welcome Address at the Workshop
BANJUL, THE GAMBIA – August 26, 2025 – Stakeholders from across The Gambia have unanimously validated the nation’s draft National Climate Change Bill and an accompanying National Climate Change Policy, marking a historic milestone in the country’s commitment to building a climate-resilient future. The validation occurred following a comprehensive two-day national workshop held on August 18-19 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
The new integrated framework provides a powerful legal and strategic roadmap to address the nation’s climate vulnerabilities, from sea-level rise to coastal erosion, while charting a path towards a just, green, and blue economy. The Bill establishes a robust legal architecture, while the Policy outlines a clear, five-pillar strategy for implementation.
In her opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), Ms. Rohey John Manjang, emphasized the framework’s importance. “These frameworks are not just documents; they are our national pledge to strengthen resilience and achieve The Gambia’s ambitious climate targets,” she stated, commending the inclusive process and the “crucial role of Natural Eco Capital, the lead consultant, for delivering the drafts despite a very tight deadline.”
The validation is the culmination of an extensive consultation process involving government ministries, international partners like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and vital civil society organizations.
A cornerstone of the new legislation is its focus on decentralized action, ensuring that climate action is community-led and locally relevant.
Mr. Lamine Jammeh, Director of the Climate Change Secretariat, underscored the principles guiding the framework. “A just transition, which places the needs of Gambians at the forefront, is a non-negotiable principle,” he said. “Our participation in carbon markets must safeguard national interests with transparency and equity.”
The drafting process received financial support from the World Bank-funded West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA). Dr. Muhammed L. Sanyang, WACA Project Manager, hailed the workshop as a “significant achievement for climate governance” and reaffirmed the World Bank’s “unwavering commitment” to supporting the implementation of these landmark frameworks.
Key features of the validated bill include a streamlined governance structure, the creation of a dedicated Directorate of Climate Finance, robust legal safeguards, including a Climate Change Division of the Environmental Tribunal, and a mandate to develop a legal framework for carbon rights to attract responsible investment.
With the validation complete, the bill will be presented to the Cabinet and the National Assembly for enactment into law.
Mr. Emile Henri VAN CAENEGEM of Delegation of the European Union to The Gambia and Dr. Eugene Itua of Natural Eco Capital
DPS Jallow, the Regional Governors and the Natural Eco Capital Team
About MECCNAR: The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources is the lead government body responsible for formulating and implementing environmental and climate policy in The Gambia, ensuring the sustainable management of the nation’s natural resources.
About Natural Eco Capital: Natural Eco Capital is a leading consultancy firm specialising in sustainable development, climate finance, and environmental policy, providing technical expertise to governments and organisations across Africa.
