Sea Level Rise

Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the lives of over 900 million individuals living in low-lying coastal regions. The Gambia's 80 km coastline is essential for both food production and economic activities. A potential rise of 1.5 metres in global sea levels could inundate Banjul, the capital city. Therefore, grasping the science behind sea level rise is essential.

Sea level rise refers to the increase in the total volume of ocean water and can be classified into two categories:

• Global Mean Sea Level Rise: This is measured from a fixed point, such as the Earth's centre.

• Relative Sea Level Rise: This is measured to a specific piece of land, often at a local scale.

Global warming drives sea level rise through two primary mechanisms: the melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets, and thermal expansion. The melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets contributes to an annual increase of 3mm in global sea level, with an average of 318 gigatons of ice melting per year from Greenland and Antarctica between 2006 and 2020.

Thermal expansion occurs as ocean water warms and expands. The ocean absorbs 90% of the excess heat caused by greenhouse gases, with the upper 700 metres warming since the 1970s. Currently, thermal expansion accounts for one-third of the global sea level rise since 2004.

For The Gambia, rising sea levels continue to be a significant worry, as half of the country's total land area is situated less than 20 metres above sea level and about 33% of the country is 10 metres above sea level. We need to understand and begin supporting practices that will help slow down global warming.

Source : The Gambia 2050 Climate Vision-MECCNAR.pdf (gov.gm)

Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/07/rising-sea-levels-global-threat/

Source:  https://www.science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/rising-waters/

~Tayeb Jasseh

International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD)

The impactful event is part of a bigger movement to promote ocean conservation and sustainability. This year, over 150 volunteers joined us at Kololi Beach to participate in the beach clean-up. Our dedicated volunteers not only support the initiative for cleaner beaches but also advocate for environmental policies.

ICC Day encourages not just beach cleanup activities but also long-term solutions for reducing waste and protecting marine ecosystems. As we all know, tiny plastic particles called microplastics are often mistaken for food by fish, shellfish, and even large mammals. This bioaccumulation of microplastics moves up the food chain, potentially reaching humans through seafood consumption. This consumption of plastic through bioaccumulation may cause human health risks such as toxic chemical exposure and cellular damage. More advocacy is needed for global collaboration, better waste management, and continued research to reduce the impacts of plastic pollution on human health.

Gambia Ocean Heroes would like to thank our partners for this year’s ICC Day. National Environment Agency, Gambia Maritime Administration, Gambia Tourism Board, Sunu Kerr, The American Corner, Trust Bank, Access Bank Gambia Limited, SOA Gambia Hub, Ousainu Gambia, Gambia Environmental Alliance, and our many volunteers that came out to support this event!

Promoting Conservation in The Gambia (PCG)

The project was developed to address the need for a deeper understanding of the major tributaries along the River Gambia and to create sustainable reforestation methods suited to these environments. Monitoring these tributaries is essential for gaining insight into the river’s dynamics and overall functioning. These tributaries, which connect smaller streams to the main river, play an important role in its ecological health. By monitoring the major tributaries, the project aimed to assess river dynamics, identify trends, and make informed decisions to improve water quality, ensure the tributaries meet its designated uses, and support community development. The project focused on six tributaries (locally called bolongs) near the mouth of the river which are listed below:

• Turnbull Bolong

• Daranka Bolong

• Lamin Bolong

• Mandinari Bolong

• Bulok Bolong

• Bintang Bolong

At the end of the project, all CSLs were required to present the results from the 12-month fieldwork through a talk presentation. Notably, one of the CSLs leveraged this project and used his talk presentation during the interview stages of his Master’s application. His impressive presentation earned him acceptance into the program with a scholarship. He began his studies in January 2024. Although the project has ended, we maintain a good working relationship with members of the citizen science network and schools. We will continue to support in the capacity building to foster the next generation of conservationists.

In conclusion, the project has highlighted the GREAT impact that capacity building, community engagement, and a citizen science network can have on environmental conservation. By continuing to empower local communities and fostering collaborative networks, we can ensure ongoing conservation efforts to preserve our natural resources for future generations.

Sail for Mangroves in The Gambia

In January 2024, on board the floating lab Fleur de Passion, a 30-metre steel schooner flying the Swiss flag, 16 students from the University of The Gambia and 2 students from the University of Geneva participated in the January expedition. The 50 km scientific mission upstream to Bintang Bolong, measured atmospheric, aquatic, and sediment environments, including concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The students also learned about life onboard a sailing boat, including learning everyday sailing terms for safety onboard Mauritius.

Below are videos and testimonies from the University of The Gambia undergraduate students.

In June 2024, the team conducted a second field campaign with 5 Community Science Leaders (CSLs) from UTG and 2 students from UNIGE. The team collected data to assess the physicochemical characterization and carbon fluxes in the river, as well as the biogeochemistry of the carbon in mangroves at various sites along the River. Also, in June, the GREAT Institute hosted another SFM documentary film in collaboration with Alliance Francaise de Banjul. Unlike the previous documentary film event, only high schools were invited to attend the event. This helps us expand our audience and inform the community about the work being done by the SFM team.  

In September 2024, our first master’s student, Ms. Asma Chafter, defended her thesis titled “Carbon dynamics in mangrove ecosystems: Assessing the influence of tidal and salinity gradients during the dry season in Bintang Bolong, The Gambia.” This significant milestone not only showcases Ms. Chafter’s dedication but also contributes to valuable insights into the conservation of mangroves ecosystems.

School Outreach Activity

Since 2017, Gambia Ocean Heroes has organised school outreach activities to educate students, particularly those interested in the sciences. These programs collaborate with schools in all seven regions in The Gambia, providing students with valuable, hands-on knowledge. The outreach activities aim to support teachers by providing students with practical experience to encourage stewardship in the in the fields of marine and environmental sciences. 

A major highlight of these activities is that students have the opportunity to use basic hand-held scientific tools to test and analyse different water samples, gaining insights into various types of water and learning to identify the various samples based on physical properties. Additionally, students have the chance to collect terrestrial data on air quality, temperature, among other factors.

This practical approach not only teaches students the differences between saline, brackish, and freshwater but also equips the students with essential skills for future studies and careers. Another activity conducted at the school was a fun food pyramid game, called “Who Eats What?” The participants arranged organisms according to the food chain, giving students a visual understanding of the importance of biodiversity, ecosystem balance, energy transfer, and trophic levels. 

Our commitment to transforming the narrative of science education in The Gambia is unwavering. It is crucial to develop initiatives that help nurture young minds and science enthusiasts from an early age by involving them in science-related activities. Our school outreach activities aim to provide students with practical experience of what is taught in the classroom, thereby empowering knowledge and skills that will be beneficial for future careers.

~Fatou Sowe

Community Focal Points: Driving Change Together

Odette Sambou: Community Focal Point (CFP)

GREAT Institute would like to highlight our dedicated CFPs, who underwent training with the GREAT field team on how to collect and record data effectively every week. Our CFPs play a crucial role in contributing to environmental monitoring and conservation as main advocates for our citizen science network. This opportunity allowed many of them who are seasonal farmers, to generate alternative income to support their livelihoods. 

Odette Sambou, a dedicated oyster farmer has worked with GREAT Institute on several projects. As a member of the TRY Oyster Women Association, Odette spends much of her time cultivating, harvesting, and selling oysters during the season to make a living. Over her year-long involvement with the GREAT Institute, she collected weekly aquatic data from various tributaries and meticulously recorded it in her data logbook. Her dedication to her work and the project made her an exceptional partner. She brought a strong willingness to learn and understand the dynamics of the river. Odette’s goal is to one day have her own oyster farm to be able to harvest year-round. 

~Fatou Sowe

Santa Jarju: Community Focal Point (CFP)

Santa Jarju, a hardworking oyster harvester and a member of the TRY Oyster Women's Association, also served as a Community Focal Point during the GEMS and PCG Project at GREAT Institute. Throughout the project, Santa was an advocate for our citizen science network, collected aquatic data in Fajikunda, and diligently recorded her findings in her logbook. Her commitment to her role as a CFP made her a vital part of the project. Having worked with her for the past few years, we have seen Santa's passion for her work and her growth.

She views every experience as a learning opportunity to better understand the health of the oysters she harvests and to apply this knowledge to monitor the oysters more effectively during the season. While she sees the Oyster off-season as a challenge, she still makes the best out of it by engaging in other businesses like selling crabs and other means of livelihood. 

~Fatou Sowe

Where Are They?

GREAT Institute is incredibly proud of its former employees and students who are representing The Gambia with distinction. It shows that Gambians can thrive in any environment and field with support, mentorship, and resources. Below are the key highlights from our team members.

Jim Secka is currently a PhD student in Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at San Diego State University. Mr. Secka received his BSc in Chemistry from the University of The Gambia (UTG) and his MSc in Chemistry from the University of Tulsa. His research focuses on the development of atroposelective methodology towards privileged kinase inhibitor scaffolds. He has authored and co-authored several papers in his field. Recently, Mr. Secka visited GREAT Institute to talk about his experience since his days at GREAT Institute and UTG.

Mr. Secka's recent visit to GREAT Institute in Summer 2024.

Betty Jahateh, a National Geographic Young Explorer, is currently pursuing her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. She joined the GREAT Institute team as an Administrative Assistant to the Program Director. She recently had the honour of speaking at the ESRI UC Education Summit plenary session held in San Diego, California. Betty holds a BSc in Biology from the University of The Gambia and an MSc in Biosciences from Swansea University. As she continues to break new ground in the sciences, we are confident that she will keep making The Gambia proud.

Ms. Jahateh at a conference sponsored by National Geographic Society. 

Yahya Khan earned his BSc in Chemistry from the University of The Gambia. During his undergraduate studies, he joined the GREAT Institute as a Community Science Leader (CSL) for the Gambia Environmental Monitoring Systems (GEMS) Programme. In this role, he was responsible for data collection and mobilizing the community of Lamin Koto. His successful contributions to the GEMS project played a key role in his academic advancement. When applying for an MSc at the University of Toledo, his research findings and strong application impressed the admissions committee so much that they offered him a direct path to a PhD. Mr. Khan became the second person from the GREAT Institute to bypass an MSc and proceed straight to a PhD. He exemplifies the potential of many students in The Gambia who can thrive with continued support and mentorship.

Mr. Khan presenting his research from the GEMS project 

Muhammed Hydara is a co-founder and the Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA), a coalition of civil societies and community-based organizations dedicated to restoring and protecting The Gambia’s environment. He first joined the GREAT Institute as a summer intern in 2019 and later became the coordinator for the Gambia Ocean Heroes (GOH) Project. Driven by a passion for using science to inform policy discussions on environmental conservation, Mr. Hydara actively contributes to safeguarding The Gambia’s natural resources. He holds a BSc in Biology with a minor in Environmental Sciences from the University of The Gambia.

Tayeb Jasseh first joined the team as a high school intern in the summer of 2023. Following his internship, he began his BSc in Physics at the University of The Gambia (UTG). In November 2023, when GREAT Institute was recruiting 3rd and 4th-year students from UTG for part-time positions, Mr. Jasseh’s outstanding performance during his internship made him an ideal candidate. The team welcomed him back as a part-time Community Science Leader, where he continued to excel. It came as no surprise when he was later accepted to the University of Exeter to further pursue his BSc in Physics. Mr. Jasseh exemplifies hard work and dedication, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him.

Mr. Jasseh in the mangroves. 

Jobs & Opportunities

Please click on the blue hyperlink for more information.

PhD, University of Girona

Deadline: 31 October 2024

3 PhD positions in marine ecology at the University of Virginia

1. Kelp forest community ecology

2. Seagrass community ecology

3. Oyster reef ecology

Deadline: 15 January 2025

MSc Scholarship

1. Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences (feeding ecology of freshwater bivalves)

Deadline: 10 January 2025

Various positions at the Ministry of Climate Change and Natural Resources

Deadline: 24 October 2024

1. Project Operation Officer

2. National technical assistant specialized in mangrove restoration

3. National technical assistant specialized in livelihoods and value chains

4. National technical assistant in charge of procurement

5. Administrative and financial officer

6. Monitoring and evaluation officer

Remote Internship in the ASLO Communications Office

Deadline: 25 October 2024