The Gambia has taken a historic step toward safeguarding its people, economy, and environment from the accelerating impacts of climate change.
After two days of rigorous national deliberation, over 80 representatives from government institutions, local authorities, civil society, youth groups, academia, and development partners unanimously validated the Draft General Implementing Regulations of the Gambia National Climate Change Act, 2026.
Natural Eco Capital developed the draft of the climate regulation. This was built on the draft climate bill prepared earlier by the organisation, which passed the third reading in the National Assembly and is awaiting presidential assent. The validation followed a comprehensive national workshop held on August 18-19 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, with Natural Eco Capital from Nigeria playing a role in achieving the national consensus on the landmark climate change bill and policy.
This milestone positions The Gambia among a select group of fewer than 75 countries worldwide with comprehensive climate legislation—placing the nation firmly on the map as a regional leader in climate governance, transparency, and community-centred climate action.
Keynote Address – Rohey John Manjang, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources
A Moment of National Unity and Purpose
Speaking at the closing plenary, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, praised the collective spirit that defined the workshop.
“This is more than a regulatory exercise. It is a national commitment to protect our people, empower our communities, and secure a climate-resilient future for The Gambia,” said Manjang.
Permanent Secretary Ebrima Jawara echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the Regulations reflect “the voice of the nation—technical, inclusive, and deeply rooted in our realities.”
Welcome Remarks –Ebrima Jawara, Permanent Secretary, MECCNAR
What Makes These Regulations Historic
The validated Regulations introduce some of the most innovative climate governance tools in Africa, including the below.
1. A 60-Day Rule to End Institutional Delays (Government agencies must resolve mandate conflicts within 60 days—or the National Climate Change Council steps in with a binding decision).
2. Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) With Real Power (Any project affecting communities without FPIC is void from the start. Communities may now request independent observers to witness FPIC processes).
3. Africa’s Strongest Carbon Market Safeguards (Mandatory 25% community revenue share—the highest globally, Carbon credits must be registered in both national and international registries, Public sector participation is now explicitly allowed).
4. A National Loss and Damage Registry Led by NDMA (For the first time, The Gambia will systematically track climate-induced losses—including displacement—strengthening claims for international climate finance).
5. Empowering Local Governments (Dedicated technical and financial support for Local Climate Adaptation Plans (LCAPs), Establishment of a Local Climate Adaptation Fund, Civil society formally included in the national network of Climate Change Focal Points).
6. A Modern MRV System for Transparency and Accountability (Machine-readable reporting extended to 24 months, a national Digital Transition Support Programme, and MRV-conditioned budgeting phased in over three years).
7. Stronger Protection for Traditional Knowledge and Whistleblowers (New penalties for misuse of traditional ecological knowledge and a realistic, risk-based whistleblower protection framework—extended to communities).
8. A Fully Functional Environmental Tribunal
The Permanent Secretary, MECCNAR, Ndey Fatou, and Dr Eugene Itua of Natural Eco Capital
To be operational within 12 months, with an interim mechanism to avoid enforcement gaps.
Lead Consultant Dr Eugene Itua of Natural Eco Capital, who developed the draft, described the regulations as “one of the most forward-looking climate governance frameworks on the continent—built by Gambians, for Gambians, and ready to inspire the region.”
Development partners, including the WACA Resilience Investment Project, commended The Gambia for its leadership, transparency, and commitment to inclusive climate action.
The validated regulations will now undergo final technical refinement, incorporating all agreed amendments; submission to the minister for approval; cabinet review and resolution of escalated issues; and official gazetting.
Once gazetted, the regulations will become the operational backbone of The Gambia’s climate governance system—unlocking climate finance, strengthening resilience, and empowering communities nationwide.
A Nation United for a Safer, Greener Future
The workshop closed with a standing ovation as participants reaffirmed their shared commitment, “The Gambia will not wait for the world to act. We will lead.”
Participants
