LCOY The Gambia

We advocate for the allocation of land designated specifically for Gambian youth to enhance their active involvement in climate-resilient agricultural practices. This initiative is designed to address challenges related to food security, promote sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to efforts against climate change. By providing young individuals with access to agricultural land, we can cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious farmers and innovators, thereby facilitating the adoption of sustainable and regenerative practices within the agricultural sector. Together, we must prioritize investments in youth to establish a climate-resilient Gambia and promote a sustainable future for all. #lcoygambia2024 #gmbyouth4climate #climateaction #youth4climate

Establishing a transparent and accountable structure for stakeholder collaboration in sand mining licenses is essential for responsible practices. By implementing clear guidelines for mining licensing and actively monitoring these processes, we can enhance accountability, protect ecosystems, and ensure that benefits are distributed equitably among all stakeholders. #gmbyouth4climate #lcoygambia2024 #Youth4Climate #ClimateAction

National Tree Planting Policy Vision This policy inspires a collective effort to combat deforestation, safeguard our rich biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and rejuvenate our precious ecosystems. Mission 1. Champion the planting of local, resilient tree species in our wetlands, savannahs, and riverbanks to revive and strengthen our natural habitats. 2. Implement unwavering laws to combat deforestation and land degradation. 3. Community Engagement: Empower local communities, especially women and youth, to take a leading role in our journey to restore the beauty of our ecosystem. 4. Monitoring: Collaborate with local inhabitants in the areas where restoration projects will unfold to ensure effective monitoring and stewardship. #gmbyouth4climate #lcoygambia2024 #ClimateAction #Youth4Climate

As part of our weekly demands, we emphasize the importance of engaging youth in local adaptation practices and climate initiatives, while integrating Indigenous knowledge. Why Youth Engagement Matters Young people are vital in combating climate change. Involving them in local actions empowers them to lead initiatives that directly impact their communities, fostering responsibility and innovative solutions. Local Adaptation Practices Adaptation strategies should come from the community. Engaging youth in designing solutions for local climate issues is essential. Initiatives like the Climate Change Solutions Festival show how young people can share ideas and learn from each other, highlighting their role in environmental stewardship. Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Indigenous knowledge offers valuable insights into sustainable living. By incorporating these practices into climate initiatives, we create culturally appropriate solutions that respect traditions and enhance modern strategies. Call to Action We urge decision-makers and organizations to support youth-led initiatives and recognize the importance of Indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation. Together, let’s empower young leaders in the Gambia for a sustainable future!

This year’s #LCOY2024 stands as a heartfelt celebration of youth-led innovation and collaboration, showcasing the inspiring efforts of everyone involved and the effective division of labor that took place. Mr. Muhammed Hydara, Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance and Co-Organizer of LCOY Gambia, shared his immense pride in the success of the conference, emphasizing how strategic leadership and teamwork among various working groups, such as communication and participant selection, played a crucial role. LCOY Gambia beautifully illustrates the power of youth leadership, gender inclusivity, and diversity, and how creating equal opportunities can spark meaningful change in our communities. However, Mr. Hydara also acknowledged some of the hurdles encountered by the Organizing Committee, including challenges like insufficient transport refunds for participants coming from provincial areas and the difficulties posed by limited internet access. In her touching closing remarks, Miss Khadijatou Ceesay, Coordinator of LCOY Gambia 2024, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to partners, donors, and supporters for their invaluable contributions that helped make this transformative and historic event a reality. #lcoygambia2024 #gmbyouth4climate #Youth4Climate #ClimateAction

LCOY Gambia Demand: Integrating Climate Change Education Our demand is simple yet powerful: *let’s integrate sustainable development and climate change education into our national curriculum at all levels.* By educating our youth on climate science, its impacts, and practical solutions, we empower them to become informed leaders and advocates for a sustainable future. Together, we can nurture a generation that not only understands the challenges but also actively participates in creating solutions. #ClimateEducation #lcoygambia2024 #gmbyouth4climate #climateaction #youth4climate

Congratulations to Mustapha Jarju, a dedicated member of the LCOY The Gambia Comms Working Group, for successfully completing the Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship organized by GAYO! We’re excited to see our members using their LCOY experiences to enhance their skills and engage in climate policy processes. Keep shining, Mustapha—your journey is an inspiration to us all! #gmbyouth4climate #lcoygambia2024 #Youth4Climate #ClimateAction

Empowering Coastal Resilience: Lessons from WACA Benin 🇧🇯 Muhammed Hydara Secretary General of Gambia Environmental Alliance and Co-Organizer of LCOY Gambia, had the honor of visiting WACA Benin intervention sites, witnessing the remarkable impact of community-driven solutions to climate and coastal challenges. WACA Benin sets an inspiring benchmark for West Africa, exemplifying the synergy between sustainable development and environmental protection. From the Mono Lagoon in Grand Popo, preserving mangroves and community heritage, to the coastline restoration projects combining soft and hard engineering to combat erosion, the results are both impactful and visionary. A highlight of the visit was the women-led coconut oil production initiative near the border, empowering 80 women to generate income while actively safeguarding mangrove ecosystems. This aligns perfectly with the mission of LCOY Gambia—creating opportunities for young people and communities to take the lead in climate action and innovation. WACA’s support for LCOY Gambia 2024 emphasizes the vital role of youth leadership in the fight against the climate crisis. The valuable lessons from Benin inspire us to advocate for coastal resilience, community empowerment, and nature-based solutions. To young environmentalists, students, and climate advocates: The future rests in your hands. Embrace bold actions, foster collaboration, and ignite change. Let us make climate action not just a priority but a lasting legacy for generations to come. #LCOYGambia2024 #WACA_Program #YouthClimateAction #CoastalResilience #NatureBasedSolutions #gmbyouth4climate #Youth4Climateo

“All my years of working on climate change forums, LCOY2024 is the biggest climate gathering I have ever attended in The Gambia.” Mr Bubu Pateh Jallow, a veteran climate change activist and finance advisor at the Ministry of Finance, is the longest-serving Gambian negotiator on international platforms. He shared valuable insights on advancing effective negotiations. Mr. Jallow emphasized that a good negotiator must possess a solid understanding of climate change history, the Convention, and the various bodies involved in negotiations. This includes knowledge about the COP, subsidiary bodies, and the different entities one will be negotiating with. His confidence in the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) suggests that with increased efforts, The Gambia can elevate its standing in climate negotiations. Let's continue to work together for a sustainable future! #LCOY2024 #gmbyouth4climate #lcoygambia2024 #ClimateAction #Youth4Climate

Celebrating Fatoumatta Konteh A Rising Star from YALI RLC Cohort 51! Today, we proudly acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Fatoumatta Konteh our Lead Communication Officer for LCOY 2024, as she graduates from the YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) Cohort 51 in Accra, Ghana! Over the past 10 transformative weeks, Fatoumatta has excelled in courses on Leading Self and Leading Others, Social Enterprises, and more, guided by distinguished lecturers from the University of Ghana 🇬🇭. Her brilliance shone through as she tackled social challenges alongside a dynamic team, mastering the complexities of Civic Management, her chosen track. This milestone represents only the first phase of her journey, with the next phase focused on impactful community engagement—a mission she is destined to conquer with her passion and excellence. Fatoumatta’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to creating change inspire us all. Let’s unite to celebrate her success and support her as she embarks on the mission to transform her community and beyond. #YALI #LCOY2024 #Leadership #CivicManagement #YouthEmpowerment #themostengagedcohort