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The workshops covered three sectors: Energy and Agriculture and Forestry. It was a great opportunity to explore which sector would be most likely to net zero greenhouse gases emissions and to discuss some of the policy options that are needed.
Different experts presented data on the three sectors and conducted quantification exercises. Participants then discussed the results.
In an effort to put long-term goals of the Paris Agreement into practice, countries are invited to formulate and communicate “long-term, low greenhouse gas emission development strategies” (LT-LEDS), also referred to as Long Term Strategies (LTS). These are visionary plans that will help us achieve low-carbon and climate-resilient societies by 2050.
Momodou Mbye Jabang, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) in his closing remarks described the engagement as a very important milestone in the LTS elaboration process, adding that the meeting was given the due regard by the participants as was expected of them.
There are some key points that senior policy-makers must take seriously. These include the timely collection of data and its availability to The Gambia.
“We need to take data issues seriously and address the data gap,” he added, saying: “we will not be taken seriously if we do not take our data issues seriously.”
PS Jabang expressed satisfaction with the participation of participants, noting that they were looking forward to the Tourism, Transport and Waste Management sectoral workshops as his Ministry moves ahead with the development and implementation of the LTS.
“We still want to maintain our position as a front runner in putting out very solid documents as far as climate change is concerned by mirroring our achievements with the NDC,” he also said.
He stated that the LTS process was launched after COP26. Their goal is to have a complete LTS document ready for COP27. He noted that the timelines they had set have been followed and that they plan to continue on that course.
Juldeh Ceesay (Deputy Permanent Secretary Projects of MOFEA), representing Permanent Secretary MOFEA, stated that the IPCC report confirmed that Africa is most vulnerable to climate change. This serves as a reminder that we all need to act now to protect our economy and communities against the coming climate emergency.
She urged the three sector to ensure that they create synergies with the upcoming Green Recovery-focused National Development Plan (Vision 2050), as well as the Long Term Strategy.
She stated that the alignments and synergies are an important step towards a more coordinated implementation of the Paris Agreement, and lays the groundwork for the whole-of-government approaches to addressing the country’s climate crisis.
She further said that her minister would also support the full integration of the LTS into the country’s domestic strategies and policies, better supporting community needs and priorities as well as resource mobilisation.
Ebrima jawara, Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance and Administration of MECCNAR and LTS Nation Coordinator, moderated the event. Alpha Jallow, Director of Climate Change Secretariat and Francis Mendy, Director of Department of Planning, Mohammed Jaiteh and Director of Forestry, assisted the event. Dr Adama Gassama Jallow of Ministry of Petroleum and Energy was the moderator.
Participants included Prof. Dr. Makie Taal Vice Chancellor of American International University West Africa Dr Demba Jail, Director General of National Agriculture Research Institute Musa Sowe President of NACOFAG and Beatrice Mboge CEO of Gambia Womens Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Online participants included Hassan Jallow (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture), Lamin Mai Touray (Director of Department of Water Resources), MicolSalmeri of 2050 Pathways Platform, and Elaine Harty of International Institute for Environment and Development.
