The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice has formally written to relevant public institutions regarding two matters of significant public interest involving environmental governance, community rights, and transparency in the management of public natural assets.
- Baboon Islands: Revenue-Sharing and Community Rights
On 25 February 2026, EFSCRJ addressed a letter to the Director of the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Director of the Department of Forestry concerning the status and revenue-sharing arrangements relating to the Baboon Islands in Niamina East District, Central River Region.
The correspondence follows representations made to EFSCRJ by twelve surrounding communities who have raised concerns about the management of the islands. According to the communities, a longstanding arrangement reportedly allocated ten percent (10%) of proceeds generated from tourism and related commercial activities on the islands to beneficiary villages.
However, the communities state that:
• They have not been provided with any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or formal agreement governing this arrangement.
• They have not received the purported 10% revenue share for many years.
• They have not been informed whether such payments were made, to whom, and under what accountability framework.
EFSCRJ has requested clarification from the both departments on whether any formal or informal agreement exists; whether a signed MOU or legally binding instrument governs the arrangement; whether copies can be made available to the communities; and what mechanisms are in place to ensure transparent revenue management and community participation.
We are yet to receive any response from any of the Departments.
This matter engages core principles of transparency, public accountability, and the socio-economic and cultural rights of communities adjacent to protected areas. Where public assets are commercially utilized, equitable benefit-sharing and lawful governance are not discretionary, they are essential.
- Developments in Kotu Wetlands and Fajara Golf Course Nature Areas
EFSCRJ has also written to the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board regarding observed developments in designated nature sanctuary areas, specifically within the Kotu Wetlands and inside the Fajara Golf Course area. Our action was triggered by representation from several bord watchers who have raised concern about the situation.
In the letter dated 25 February 2026, EFSCRJ notes:
• Clearing of bushes within the Fajara Golf Course area.
• Construction activities, including erection of concrete walls and other structural developments within the Kotu Wetlands.
Both sites are ecologically sensitive zones. The Kotu Wetlands support local women rice farmers and oyster harvesters and serve as a major birdwatching and ecotourism destination contributing to national tourism revenue. The Fajara Golf Course area constitutes one of the few remaining green spaces and bird habitats within the Greater Banjul Area.
EFSCRJ has therefore requested clarification from the Gambia Tourism Board on:
• The legal and regulatory basis for the ongoing developments.
• Whether Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) were conducted, approved, and publicly disclosed.
• Safeguards in place to prevent biodiversity degradation and livelihood disruption.
• The role of the Gambia Tourism Board in reviewing and monitoring these developments.
We are yet to receive any response from GTBoard.
As a statutory body mandated to promote tourism, the Gambia Tourism Board bears a duty to ensure that tourism development is environmentally sustainable and legally compliant. Tourism growth that undermines fragile ecosystems ultimately weakens the foundation of ecotourism itself.
A Call for Transparency and Constructive Engagement
EFSCRJ emphasizes that both matters are not adversarial interventions, but accountability-driven engagements aimed at strengthening lawful governance, protecting community rights, and safeguarding the Gambia’s natural heritage.
At a time when our forest cover and ecological spaces are fast diminishing nationwide, transparent management of protected areas and equitable benefit-sharing with communities must be treated as national priorities.
EFSCRJ looks forward to prompt responses from the relevant authorities and remains open to constructive dialogue in the interest of transparency, environmental protection, and accountable governance.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership.
