Empowering Gambians for a Sustainable Future on World Sustainability Day

by: Kumba Sonko

World Sustainability Day, held annually on the last Wednesday of October, underscores the importance of sustainable practices to protect our planet. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the environment and promoting sustainable practices. Sustainability itself is the ability for humans to use resources in a way that it will continue to be available in the future. 

The Gambia is facing pressing challenges such as pollution, climate change and reduction of resources. That is why this day is important as it reminds people to protect the environment for the future.

Supporting national development plans for climate action, adaptation, and ocean conservation can create lasting change. Through targeted policies and local engagement, The Gambia can work toward achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those focusing on climate resilience, biodiversity, and environmental health. Government, civil society organizations, and individuals must unite to tackle these issues.

World Sustainability day plays a very important role in bringing the topic of sustainable discussions and practices to the forefront of the world especially in The Gambia. This includes entrepreneurs to consider sustainability in their businesses by using eco-friendly materials and adopt practices that will cause zero or less impact to the environment.

At the individual level, there are many things people can do in other to achieve a sustainable future like; 

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Replace plastic bags with reusable cloth ones and say no to plastic straws and cutlery. Every small step reduces pollution and protects marine life, helping our coastal waters stay clean and safe for generations to come.

• Save Water: Turn off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes, take shorter showers, and fix leaks promptly. These small changes conserve water resources that are vital to both urban and rural communities, especially during dry seasons.

• Participate in Community Cleanups: Join beach, riverbank, or neighborhood cleanups. Removing litter keeps our local environments clean, protects wildlife, and builds a sense of community pride and ownership over shared spaces.

• Plant Trees: Trees are powerful natural absorbers of carbon dioxide and improve air quality. By planting a tree, you directly support the fight against climate change and improve your surroundings for everyone’s benefit.

• Educate and Engage Others: Share knowledge about climate action with family, friends, and neighbors. Encourage them to take small steps toward sustainability, too—together, we can create a ripple effect that leads to lasting change across our communities.

• Use Less Energy: Conserve energy by switching off lights, unplugging devices, and using energy-efficient bulbs. Small actions like these reduce household emissions and support national efforts in energy conservation.

  
  

Collective efforts from the Government, civil society organisations and individuals are needed in order to address issues like poverty, climate change and natural loss as well as utilizing infrastructure to support its efforts like the UN SDGs. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides the platform for these problems to be solved. The Gambia should strive to be on track & stay on track to achieve these goals and strive for a sustainable future. 

By taking these steps, we can all play a role in building a resilient, eco-friendly Gambia. World Sustainability Day reminds us that each small action matters in creating a future where resources are conserved, the environment is protected, and communities thrive. Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener Gambia for future generations.