By Fatou Sillah
Rohey John Manjang, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, on Monday, formally moved the motion for the second reading of the National Environment Management Bill 2025, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening The Gambia’s environmental governance framework.
The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal structure dedicated to the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of the country’s natural environment. It aims to harmonize conflicting activities and embed environmental considerations firmly within the national development agenda.
Designed to safeguard the environment as a shared heritage for present and future generations, the legislation emphasizes principles such as sustainable development, public accountability, inclusive participation, the polluter-pays principle, and precautionary measures to prevent environmental harm.
“This will ensure that environmental protection becomes a shared responsibility among all stakeholders and invariably contribute significantly to safeguarding natural resources, improving public health, and promoting socio-economic development, thereby ensuring a balanced relationship between development and environmental conservation.”
The bill responds to increasing concerns about the adverse effects of environmental degradation on public health, biodiversity, and economic progress. It advocates for long-term planning, integrated governance, and active public engagement while also addressing the need to hold polluters accountable despite scientific uncertainties surrounding environmental damage.
Following the motion, the bill was referred to the National Assembly Business Committee for further consideration.