GEPADG Chairman Pa Ebrima Kunta Attends ICCA Consortium General Assembly in Morocco

Azilal, Morocco – April 8, 2025 — Pa Ebrima Kunta, Chairman of the Gunjur-based environmental NGO, Gunjur Environmental Protection and Development Group (GEPADG), is currently in Azilal, Morocco, attending the General Assembly of the ICCA Consortium, a global gathering focused on Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAs).

The 10-day conference, which began on April 1st and runs until April 11th, brings together conservation leaders from across the African continent and beyond. It aims to address pressing issues affecting protected areas in Africa and explore sustainable pathways for Indigenous Community Conservation Areas (ICCAs).

Discussions at the assembly include establishing a regional governance framework to enhance coordination among African regions, strengthening ties with global conservation networks, and crafting strategic action plans to support ecological megaregions. These efforts are part of a broader vision to ensure local communities play a central role in managing and protecting their natural heritage.

GEPADG Chairman Pa Ebrima Kunta at the ICCA General Meeting in Morocco

Representing The Gambia, Chairman Kunta’s participation underscores GEPADG’s commitment to sustainable environmental governance and grassroots-led conservation. Founded in 1992 by Mr. Badara N. Bajo, who currently serves as Executive Director, GEPADG is a registered nonprofit and one of the country’s leading voices in environmental protection and sustainable development.

GEPADG’s Core Focus Areas Include:

Natural Resource Management: through community forestry, agroforestry, beekeeping, and women-led vegetable gardening initiatives.
Ecotourism Development: by promoting eco-friendly tourism and responsible resource use to support local economies.

One of the organization’s landmark achievements is the establishment of the Bolong Fenyo Community Wildlife Reserve, The Gambia’s first community-owned reserve. Spanning 320 hectares, the reserve features diverse habitats including mangroves, marshes, and coastal ecosystems. It provides sanctuary for various species, including migratory birds and endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas).

Chairman Kunta’s presence at the ICCA General Assembly highlights GEPADG’s growing role on the continental stage and its commitment to placing local voices at the heart of global conservation dialogues.