The National Environment Agency announced a major climate project Friday to help communities fight flooding and coastal damage. Officials said the new program will protect more than 350,000 people across the Greater Banjul Area. The Global Environment Facility approved $14 million to fund the six-year effort. The United Nations Environment Programme will help carry out the work. Agency leaders called the program CLIMB and said it targets rising seas and extreme weather.
Omar Ceesay leads technical services at the agency and spoke about the project goals. He said the program combines better policies with natural solutions and community involvement. The Greater Banjul Area serves as the country's main economic center but faces serious climate threats. Heavy rains and poor drainage systems caused major flooding last year that hurt nearly 50,000 residents. Urban growth into dangerous flood areas makes the problems worse each year.
The project focuses on four main areas to build stronger communities. Workers will improve urban planning to handle climate changes better. Teams will restore important natural areas like mangroves and marshes that protect coastlines. Officials will create better funding systems for climate adaptation projects. Community groups will learn new ways to respond when disasters strike their neighborhoods.
Professor Genesis advises the project team and explained the practical approach they plan to use. The program builds on lessons from earlier climate work done across the region. Activities will bring both quick improvements and long-term benefits to affected areas. Local councils and private companies must work together to make the project successful. The agency expects to begin detailed planning meetings with community partners soon.
Omar Ceesay leads technical services at the agency and spoke about the project goals. He said the program combines better policies with natural solutions and community involvement. The Greater Banjul Area serves as the country's main economic center but faces serious climate threats. Heavy rains and poor drainage systems caused major flooding last year that hurt nearly 50,000 residents. Urban growth into dangerous flood areas makes the problems worse each year.
The project focuses on four main areas to build stronger communities. Workers will improve urban planning to handle climate changes better. Teams will restore important natural areas like mangroves and marshes that protect coastlines. Officials will create better funding systems for climate adaptation projects. Community groups will learn new ways to respond when disasters strike their neighborhoods.
Professor Genesis advises the project team and explained the practical approach they plan to use. The program builds on lessons from earlier climate work done across the region. Activities will bring both quick improvements and long-term benefits to affected areas. Local councils and private companies must work together to make the project successful. The agency expects to begin detailed planning meetings with community partners soon.
