By Seedy Jobe
A coalition of environmental organizations on Sunday issued an urgent warning over what it described as a surge in illegal charcoal production in Foni, saying the activity has escalated into “organized environmental crime” that is rapidly degrading critical ecosystems.
The Gambia Environmental Alliance, a network of more than 60 civil society groups, said it had documented extensive forest destruction across the Foni region, where charcoal burning—long a source of fuel and income—is now being carried out in violation of national law and at an unprecedented scale.
“Illegal charcoal burning is destroying Foni’s forests at an alarming rate,” the alliance said in a statement released April 26. “This is organized environmental crime, and it’s accelerating.”
According to the group’s public relations officer, Mustapha Jarju, monitors have identified more than 23 active charcoal production sites in Foni Jarrol alone, with the activity spreading into neighboring districts such as Foni Kansala. The process, which involves cutting and slow-burning wood in earthen kilns, has led to what the alliance described as indiscriminate tree felling, with little regard for species preservation or ecological balance.
“Trees are being felled indiscriminately, with no regard for species, ecosystem, or law,” the statement said.
Environmental advocates say the consequences extend beyond deforestation. Forest loss in the region threatens soil stability, water retention, and biodiversity, while also undermining national climate resilience efforts in a country already vulnerable to environmental shocks.
The alliance argued that the activity violates key legal frameworks, including the Forest Act 2018 and the National Environment Management Act, both of which regulate the use and protection of natural resources.
“These laws exist to protect our soil, water, and future,” the group said. “Ignoring them with impunity is costing every Gambian.”
The statement called on the government, particularly the Department of Forestry, to take immediate enforcement action, including deploying officers to affected areas, confiscating illegally produced charcoal, and prosecuting offenders.
“Your mandate is clear,” the alliance said. “Enforce the law visibly and without delay. Inaction is not neutral.”
It also appealed to traditional authorities—including chiefs and village heads—to play a more active role in curbing the practice, noting that local leaders are often aware of where the activity is taking place.
“Silence enables destruction,” the group said. “Stand with your communities and work with authorities to stop the chainsaws and kilns now.”
The alliance urged ordinary citizens to report illegal charcoal production and to pressure authorities to respond, framing the issue as a national concern rather than a localized problem.
“The forest is not endless. The law is not a suggestion,” the statement said. “Foni is on fire, and if we don’t act, what burns next is our future.”
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