A new community-based conservation project in The Gambia, led by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and the Association for Coastal Ecosystem Services (ACES), is underway thanks to funding from Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.

The project, named Nna Samaa Mankolou (‘Mangroves For Our Future’ in Mandinka), is based in Sankandi, a unique village in the Lower River region of The Gambia – which has been identified as one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of global climate change.

Nna Samaa Mankolou will see the restoration of degraded riverbanks and the planting of mangroves. It aims to emulate the success of the Kenya-based project Mikoko Pamoja, which has drawn worldwide acclaim for supporting local livelihoods and habitats by restoring mangroves.

The restoration of the local mangrove forest in Sankandi will support biodiversity, to benefit wildlife and the local community, by protecting the area from erosion and improving productivity of the soil. Both issues have negatively impacted local agricultural activities in recent years.

A grant from Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, which was established by Swiss philanthropist Dona Bertarelli to advance environmental conservation and foster a balance between people and nature, is enabling this project in Sankandi.

The cooperative partnership between ENU’s research, scientific institution ACES, Ms Bertarelli’s foundation and community leaders SYDA has been instrumental in helping Nna Saama Mankolou get off the ground.

The agreement will also allow for further research into the environmental effects of mangroves to take place, in collaboration with the University of The Gambia.

Professor Mark Huxham from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences said: “I am excited by the prospect of getting to work in The Gambia on a project which could make an enormous, positive difference to communities there.

“I was approached by the Sankandi Youth Development Association to ask for help in developing this project. They had learnt about the impacts our work on mangrove conservation have had in Kenya and wanted our help with their own ongoing efforts to restore their mangrove forests.A group of people inspecting mangrove plants on the ground

“This has been several years in the making, but it is great for all involved that we are in a position to move forward.

“Nna Samaa Mankolou will bring together academia, philanthropy, charity, and the local community, with each bringing something special and unique to the table.”

Ansumana Darboe, SYDA founder and Project Manager, said: "As we embark on this exciting new phase of our mangrove restoration and conservation efforts, we are immensely grateful for the steadfast partnership we've enjoyed with the Association for Coastal Ecosystem Services.

“Together, we have accomplished significant milestones in preserving and enhancing our precious mangrove ecosystems.

“With this new project, we are determined to continue our journey towards sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.

“Our collective commitment to the protection of mangroves stands as a beacon of hope for a greener, healthier planet – making a difference, one mangrove at a time."

Amber Baker, Acting Director of ACES said: "An impactful international partnership between philanthropic, academic and grassroots organisations, this collaborative project aims to preserve and restore a precious ecosystem and its biodiversity.

“ACES is excited to contribute our expertise to support the Sankandi community-led conservation project and raise awareness about the importance of healthy mangrove forests in the unique setting of The Gambia."

Dona Bertarelli, founder, and executive chair of Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy foundation, said: “I'm delighted to support this community-led conservation project in Gambia with Edinburgh Napier University, the Association for Coastal Ecosystem Services and Sankandi Youth Development Association.

“Our shared hope is that restoring these mangroves will support more biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods as well as other benefits, and in turn support the local communities which rely on a healthy environment."

Protecting and Restoring Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Kenya

You can learn more about our other conservation work in this area by watching the video case study below and visiting this webpage.

d