Mundus maris

The Gambia is undergoing rapid urbanisation in the coastal parts radiating out from Banjul and Serrekunda. Further inland and nearer the southern and northern borders to Senegal rural conditions persist.

Five schools participated in pilot activities to test how best to introduce ecosystem approach to fisheries into the syllabus, promoting an integrated understanding that covers environmental, social, economic and science aspects of using the sea in sustainable ways. They are respectively, three from Gunjur, one from Tanji and one from Serrekunda. The pilot activities were part of commissioned work by the EAF Nansen Project of the FAO.

Supporting the teachers, the equipment of schools, parent associations and networking among schools are priorities to create a stronger enabling environment for the kids. They much deserve additional opportunities to live up more fully to their potential.