TİKA Supports Ecotourism in Gambia

With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), water drilling for wildlife protection and animals to access clean water, 3 water pools for animals and a hand washing station for visitors were built in Bijilo National Park.

With this project put into practice by TİKA, a water drilling for access to clean and reliable water, water pools for monkeys, birds and other animals to drink water and a hand washing station for visitors were provided.

The Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Banjul, Tolga Bermek; Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Minister, Rohey John Manyang; Park Manager, Soleyman Jobe; TİKA’s Coordinator in Banjul, Şule Bayar; ministry officials, Gambia Radio and Television Services members and media institutions attended the ceremony.

Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Minister Rohey John Manyang thanked Türkiye for the project in her speech.

The Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Banjul, Tolga Bermek, stated that particular attention should be given to national parks and emphasized that these are not just national treasures but also a heritage for all humanity. Bermek mentioned that with the additional water pools placed in different parts of the park by TİKA, monkeys, birds and other wild animals will be able to access water throughout the eight-month-long drought.

Banjul Program Coordinator Şule Bayar stated the importance given to environmental projects by TİKA and expressed her appreciation for being able to put a project which is serving the "protecting the biodiversity and ecosystems" aim among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into practice.

The project is expected to play an important role in supporting the ecotourism in Monkey Park Gambia via strengthening ecotourism, contributing to wildlife, and increasing tourism revenues.