At a recent workshop organized by the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), climate change consultant Mr. Dawda Trawally emphasised the importance of including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in climate change decision-making processes in The Gambia. He urged that GFD be represented on the national climate change committee, highlighting the need for PWDs to have a direct say in matters affecting their lives.
Mr. Trawally noted that The Gambia, as a developing nation, relies on funding from developed countries for climate change initiatives. He stressed the necessity of researching the impacts of climate change on PWDs to develop inclusive projects.
In his opening remarks, GFD President Muhammed Krubally highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing its inclusion in the global development goals for 2030. Mr Krubally who doubles as Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates' Court discussed various environmental changes, including rising temperatures and land degradation, which significantly impact world communities, particularly vulnerable populations like PWDs
Mr Krubally also highlighted that the workshop was funded by the Global Green Grant Fund from the United States, which actively engages with climate change issues—recognised as one of the greatest challenges of our time. He emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate change within the broader context of global development goals and the impact it has on vulnerable populations, including Persons with Disabilities.
During the workshop, which took place from October 29 to 31, participants identified major contributors to climate change in The Gambia, such as deforestation, bush fires, and pollution from industries and vehicles. Mr. Trawally pointed out that human activities, including carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbate climate issues, calling for increased tree planting to mitigate heat and enhance rainfall.
GFD Vice President Modou Gaye shared his experiences in his home Village - Sabakh Sanjal, in North Bank Region of The Gambia where he has taken legal action against illegal tree cutting by his people. He lamented the challenges of maintaining forest health in the face of unsustainable practices.
Participants also discussed the need for more effective forest policies, recommending a model that requires replacing each cut tree with two new ones, inspired by practices in the U.S.
Additionally, the workshop underscored the necessity of including PWDs in disaster management strategies and relief support. Recommendations were made for GFD to engage with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to ensure PWDs are considered in relief efforts, data collection, and early warning systems.
The workshop called for a comprehensive approach to climate change that includes the voices and needs of PWDs, ensuring their participation in decision-making processes and enhancing their resilience against environmental changes.
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