To effectively preserve our ecosystem and preserve our almost non-existent wildlife, the NBP will establish Protected Forest Areas to combat deforestation and climate degradation, the NBP government will designate significant tracts of land across the country as legally protected forest reserves. This includes:

• Conducting a national land audit in collaboration with local governments and environmental agencies to identify and demarcate zones best suited for conservation;
• Legally protecting these areas through new environmental legislation and integrating their management into national and regional land-use plans;
• Creating forest management teams at regional levels to monitor encroachment, enforce protection laws, and engage with nearby communities in conservation education.
  

These protected forest areas will serve as carbon sinks, biodiversity sanctuaries, and eco-tourism attractions thus helping mitigate climate change and support economic growth.

National Tree Planting and Reforestation Initiative

The NBP will launch a nationwide reforestation campaign to restore the country’s greenery and reduce the impacts of environmental degradation. This ambitious effort will include:

• Mass planting of native and climate-resilient trees, such as mahogany, baobab, neem, and acacia, across urban and rural areas;
• Reintroduction and protection of indigenous plant species, many of which have cultural, medicinal and ecological significance;
• Promotion of pine tree farming, with designated plots established for the growth and harvesting of pine trees for use in domestic timber production, particularly for the construction industry. This initiative will create jobs, reduce illegal logging, and encourage sustainable harvesting.
  

Tree planting will be integrated into national celebrations, school projects, and youth employment schemes, turning environmental restoration into a community-driven, nationwide movement.

National Wildlife Protection Law and Species Conservation Plan

Recognizing the importance of wildlife to The Gambia’s biodiversity and eco-tourism economy, the NBP government will introduce a comprehensive Wildlife Protection Act that includes:

• A formal list of protected animal species, including but not limited to:
  
  • All primate species (e.g., vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons)
  • All members of the cat family (e.g., servals, wildcats)
  • All deer and antelope species (e.g., duikers, bushbuck)
  • Select bird species (e.g., vultures, hornbills, parrots)
  • Crocodiles and alligators
  • Hippos and other water mammals
    
• Provisions for strict penalties and legal prosecution for hunting, capturing, or harming protected species, with enhanced enforcement in national parks and buffer zones;
• Establishment of wildlife corridors and safe migration paths between protected areas to prevent human-wildlife conflict and ensure species sustainability;
• Support for wildlife rescue centers and sanctuaries, in partnership with NGOs and international conservation organizations.
  

This framework will ensure that The Gambia becomes a safe haven for endangered species and a regional leader in wildlife conservation.

Education, Eco-Tourism, and Community Involvement

To ensure long-term success, the NBP will embed environmental consciousness into national education, economic planning and community development. Our plan includes:

• Introducing environmental education in schools, including nature field trips, conservation projects and school-based tree nurseries;
• Support eco-tourism ventures and training local tour guides to promote responsible wildlife viewing, forest hiking, and bird-watching;
• Engage local communities especially those living near protected areas through job creation, training, and shared benefits from eco-tourism revenue;
• Partner with universities and international institutions for research on biodiversity and ecological management in The Gambia.
  

The NBP will ensure that all policies are backed by robust institutional frameworks. Key actions will include, reforming and strengthening the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Department of Parks and Wildlife. We will also create a national digital map of protected lands and wildlife zones, accessible to researchers, developers, and the public.

Furthermore, the NBP will develop a Green Fund to support forest conservation, anti-poaching operations and renewable energy adoption.