GEA Calls for Immediate Halt to GACH Group’s Encroachment Into Salagi Forest Park

Advocates protesting against Salagi Forest Park encroachment © GEA

GAMBIA ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE CONDEMNS EXPLOITATION OF SALAGI FOREST PARK

The Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) strongly opposes the decision by the Department of Forestry to grant GACH Group temporary usage of a portion of Salagi Forest Park. This move blatantly disregards key provisions of the Forest Act, 2018, undermining the principles of sustainable forest management and community engagement enshrined in Gambian law.

Legal Violations and Oversights

The Forest Act, 2018, specifically outlines the following requirements that have been ignored:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

• Section 82 mandates that any activity impacting forest areas must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment to evaluate potential environmental risks. No such assessment has been conducted or disclosed.

2. Community Engagement:

• Sections 24 and 25 emphasize the importance of community participation in decisions regarding forest use. The Sukuta community, who are custodians of Salagi Forest, were neither consulted nor informed.

3. Sustainable Management and Transparency:

• Sections 55 and 75 require that forest activities align with a management plan aimed at ecological preservation and public benefit. The lack of transparency around GACH Group’s activities undermines public trust and accountability.

The Reality Behind “Temporary Use”

The ongoing excavation and construction of fencing foundations within Salagi Forest Park clearly indicate permanent intentions, posing a serious threat to the ecological balance of the area. Attempts to label these activities as “temporary” are misleading and contradict the very principles of sustainable forest governance.

Salagi Forest: A Critical Public Resource

Salagi Forest Park is an invaluable ecological and community resource, providing:

• A buffer against climate change through carbon sequestration,

• Protection for The Gambia’s biodiversity,

• Livelihood support for surrounding communities, and

• Cultural and environmental significance for future generations.

GEA’s Position

We stand in solidarity with the Sukuta community and all Gambians advocating for the preservation of our natural heritage. GEA unequivocally states: Our forests are not commodities to be exploited for private gain under any guise.

Our Demands

1. An immediate halt to all activities by GACH Group in Salagi Forest Park.

2. Full disclosure of all agreements and approvals granted to GACH Group.

3. Strict adherence to the provisions of the Forest Act, 2018, including the completion of an EIA and meaningful community consultations.

4. The prioritization of sustainable forest management and community empowerment in all decisions affecting Gambian forests.

Conclusion

The GEA remains resolute in protecting The Gambia’s natural resources. We urge the government and relevant stakeholders to uphold their legal and ethical obligations to the environment and the people of The Gambia. The exploitation of Salagi Forest Park is not only a breach of the law but a grave disservice to future generations.