The Role of Mangroves in Securing The Gambia’s Climate and Coastal Resilience

The Gambia, with its complex system of waterways and low-lying coastal areas, holds a unique position in West Africa as a country largely dependent on its natural ecosystems. Among these, mangrove forests are a key resource offering cultural, economic, and ecological benefits. However, these critical habitats are facing severe threats due to climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land-use practices. Mangrove conservation emerges as a pressing priority, offering a powerful tool for climate mitigation and coastal protection in The Gambia.

The exceptional capacity of mangrove forests to store carbon is well known. Mangroves can store up to five times more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests, primarily in their waterlogged soils where organic material decomposes slowly (Donato et al., 2011). This phenomenon, referred to as ‘blue carbon,’ highlights the importance of mangroves in combating climate change. In The Gambia, mangrove ecosystems are estimated to cover between 49,700 and 74,700 hectares, acting as significant carbon sinks. Although specific data on their role in offsetting emissions from industries like transportation and agriculture are limited, their degradation releases stored carbon. This contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. Effective conservation is essential to prevent such emissions and enhance their carbon storage capacity, aligning with The Gambia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement (Gambia’s Second NDC, 2021).

Mangroves also play an essential role in reducing the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion by stabilizing shorelines, reducing wave energy, and preventing sediment loss. This natural barrier is critical for many Gambian coastal communities, which rely on farming and fishing for their livelihoods. Without mangroves, The Gambia faces escalating risks of saltwater intrusion that threaten freshwater resources and agricultural productivity. Salt intrusion into the Gambia River, already exacerbated by climate change, can lead to crop failures and displacement of communities. Thus, preserving freshwater supplies and ensuring food security depend on the ecological necessity of mangrove conservation.              

Mangroves are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of plants and wildlife. They provide critical habitats for species such as fish, crabs, and molluscs, many of which are economically significant to local communities. Gambian fisheries benefit greatly from healthy mangrove ecosystems, as these forests serve as breeding and nursery grounds for commercially important aquatic species. These ecosystems are crucial for sustaining fish populations and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities (FAO, 2020). The livelihoods of thousands of Gambians depend on mangroves. One of the key activities tied to these ecosystems is oyster collecting, a practice predominantly carried out by women. According to a  study by Wetlands International, 2020, oyster fishing in The Gambia makes a significant contribution to the local economy, supporting the livelihoods of over 500 women in the Tanbi Wetland Complex alone. Degraded mangroves directly disrupt this economic chain by reducing fish populations and other aquatic resources, thereby compromising community well-being.

Current Challenges to Mangrove Conservation

Despite their importance, Gambian mangroves are under threat. Significant losses have resulted from deforestation for urban development, rice paddies, and fuelwood. Moreover, climate change-induced stressors such as rising sea levels, increased salinity, and severe storms exacerbate the vulnerability of these ecosystems. According to FAO data, mangrove cover in The Gambia has been shrinking at an average rate of 1.5% annually, with substantial reductions documented in specific regions (Restoring Mangroves for Climate-Resilient Fisheries, 2020). This trend highlights the urgent need for collaborative conservation initiatives to protect these vital ecosystems.

Strategies for Mangrove Conservation

Mangrove conservation requires an integrated approach that prioritizes community involvement, effective policies, sustainable livelihoods, and sustained research. Successful initiatives, such as the Community-Based Forest Management Project in The Gambia, demonstrate that granting local communities ownership rights, involving them in decision-making, and providing resources can foster sustainable management practices. Reforestation efforts, like those under the UNDP-supported Climate Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods project, have shown how ecosystem restoration can enhance community resilience.

Strengthening enforcement of existing policies, such as the National Environment Management Act and Biodiversity and Wildlife Act, while integrating actionable funding mechanisms into national climate policies, is essential to safeguarding mangroves. Additionally, reducing dependency on these vulnerable ecosystems by providing alternative income sources such as ecotourism, sustainable aquaculture, and agroforestry offers practical and economically sustainable solutions. Finally, regular monitoring using advanced technologies, like remote sensing, coupled with field studies, is critical for tracking ecological changes and ensuring conservation efforts remain effective and adaptive to evolving challenges.

Conclusion

Mangroves in The Gambia are essential for the people, the land, and the future. They sustain livelihoods, protect coastal communities, and hold cultural significance, making their conservation a shared responsibility. Success will depend on collaboration among local governments, local communities, national agencies, and international partners. Investing in public awareness, education, and capacity building can empower communities to protect these vital ecosystems. With these efforts, The Gambia can take meaningful steps toward sustainable development and climate action.