A two-day validation workshop on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the West Coast Beaches and Kunta Kinteh Island interventions under the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP) wrapped up on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at Kunta Kinteh Roots Camp in Albreda, North Bank Region.
The validation exercise marks a critical milestone in the collective effort to ensure that the proposed interventions are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and fully aligned with national legislation and World Bank environmental and social standards.
The two interventions under review are of significant national importance. Along the West Coast beaches, the project aims to implement coastal protection measures through beach nourishment and dune restoration to address persistent challenges of coastal erosion and climate change impacts.
On Kunta Kinteh Island—a site of immense historical and cultural value—the project will support shoreline protection works and the construction of a new jetty both on the island and the mainland, thereby improving safe and efficient access.
The validation workshop provided a platform for stakeholders, particularly the Environmental Impact Assessment Technical Working Group and relevant institutions, to critically examine the findings and recommendations of the ESIA reports, ensuring that the interventions are robust, inclusive, and sustainable.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Siaka Fadera, Deputy Permanent Secretary- Technical, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, reassured the participants of the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the interventions that are about to be implemented are done in a manner that safeguards the environment, respects cultural heritage and delivers lasting benefits to the beneficiary communities and future generations to come.
“Let me take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the NEA for its continued guidance and leadership in the EIA process as well as to all the stakeholders for their active participation and commitment. We also commend the consultants for their efforts in preparing these reports,” he said.
Similar remarks were expressed by Mr. Momodou Ceesay, Project Director – TDRGP, and Mr. Lamin Saidykhan, Governor, North Bank Region.
Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
