Giant leap towards sustainable future for The Gambia’s oyster sector
Revised co-management plan to contribute to the sustainability of oyster resources and mangrove preservation

26 September 2024, Banjul - The update of co-management arrangements for oyster production in The Gambia marks an important step towards securing a sustainable future for the country's oyster sector, with increased community participation and improved monitoring measures.
The revised co-management plan, covering the harvesting of oysters in the Tanbi Wetland National Park, the Kubuneh-Bafuloto Wetland, and the Allahein River estuary, was endorsed by representatives from government, international partners, civil society, and local oyster harvesters.
"The fisheries sector is essential to The Gambia's economy, playing a pivotal role in poverty reduction, food security, and employment. As one of the largest food providers, it supplies a significant source of animal protein and generates vital foreign exchange and livelihoods for many Gambians, particularly in vulnerable communities," said Malang Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly, representing the Government of the Gambia with Dr Anna Mbenga, Director of Fisheries.
The endorsement took place during an event hosted by FISH4ACP, a global fish value chain development initiative that is helping The Gambia upgrade the oyster value chain promoting a better environment, ensuring a better life.
"Sustainable fisheries management is not just a technical challenge; it is a shared responsibility," said FAO’s Representative in The Gambia, Shibu Rampedi. "By working together, we can ensure that mangrove oyster resources continue to benefit the environment and the communities who depend on them."
The European Union, in collaboration with the FAO, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in The Gambia. Enrica Pellacani, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, highlighted progress made in the country's oyster value chain, particularly in balancing economic efficiency, social inclusiveness, and environmental preservation. The EU’s investments through the FISH4ACP programme and the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) aim to enhance marine and coastal resilience across the region.
The updated co-management plan is an enhancement of the "Cockle and Oyster Fishery Co-Management Plan for the Tanbi Special Management Area", which has guided the use of mangrove oyster resources since 2012.
Months of community consultations and stakeholder engagement resulted in this updated plan, focused on identifying areas for improvement, including more effective management measures and an updated institutional framework.
The updated plan aims to enhance sustainable oyster harvesting while preserving the health of the mangrove ecosystem. It seeks to strengthen community participation in resource management and incorporates new measures for more robust monitoring.
"Women play a key role in The Gambia’s oyster value chain," said Fatou Janha of the TRY Oyster Women’s Association. "It is vital that our voices are heard in the co-management process."
FISH4ACP, an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the mangrove oyster value chain in The Gambia to improve food security, increase incomes for rural communities, boost exports, create jobs, and stimulate investment.
FISH4ACP is implemented by the FAO, with funding from the European Union and the German Government.
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