Gambia adopts the National Environment Management Bill 2025

A brand-new environmental law just handed The Gambia's green agency serious enforcement teeth and created a dedicated tribunal.

National Environment Management Bill adopted

• The Gambia's National Assembly passed the National Environment Management Bill 2025.
• NEMA scored an expanded mandate covering forests, waterways, and biodiversity.
• An Environment Tribunal was established to handle environmental disputes.
• Most bill clauses sailed through without any amendments.

Key coverage areas

• Environmental planning, conservation, and impact assessments all fall under it.
• Marine protection and petroleum-sector regulations got folded in.
• Public participation mechanisms let citizens report violations directly.
• Industries and public bodies must now comply with national environmental standards.

Legislative process highlights

• The Select Committee on Environment reviewed the bill in detail.
• Civil society groups and development partners were consulted.
• The original Environment Court name got swapped to Environment Tribunal.
• A senior lawmaker called the adoption a historic step for resource management.