The protection of Monkey Park has raised concerns among Gambian environmentalists. This is because of the role of the park as a major tourist attraction in the country and its protection as a gazetted land during the first republic. The Gambia is known for its friendly nature and its diverse ecosystem. In the present international tourist market, the Gambia has fewer products to showcase when compared to our neighbouring countries. Looking at these circumstances, it is not wise for us to sacrifice the few and most attractive structures in the country.
According to Modou Sowe, a Gambian environmentalist and former Executive Director of the Gambia Association for Nature and Biodiversity, the Gambian youth needs to stand firm to protect the Monkey Park for the future of the country. If the Government is interested in the short-term gains from the revenue that will be incurred from the sales of the park, the youth need to draw their attention to their future. Previously, it was the construction of the OIC Conference hall which we collectively protested against until we were assured by experts that the Monkeys will relocate to the nearby WALIC Campus.
Recently, the Gambia Government has decided to sell the remaining 10 hectares of land to the US government for the construction of a new embassy.
The construction of any structure in this area means the loss of one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. Hence, it also means the loss of a major tourist attraction in the country. Have the Government ever thought of this? Tourism contributes over 20% of the Nation’s GDP and is also the second highest employer in the country. Only this is enough reason for the government to promote the development and protection of any structure or activity that either directly or indirectly promotes tourism.
For the Gambian youths, I urged you to stand together and protect the environment.
