SAILING FOR MANGROVES
Sailing for Mangroves in The Gambia
Launched in January of 2023, the SFM expedition is a new programme with collaboration between Pacifique Foundation, the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Swansea University, and the GREAT Institute. On board, the floating lab Mauritius, a 30-metre steel schooner flying the Swiss flag, participants of the programme explore the Gambia River. The expedition aims to train Gambian students on coastal and marine research to assess basic ecological factors - the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the River Gambia, and expose students to the vast biodiversity along various tributaries (locally called “bolong”).
The 50 km scientific mission upstream to Bintang Bolong en route to Bao Bolong measured atmospheric, aquatic, and sediment environments, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations. The students also learned about life onboard a sailing boat, including learning everyday sailing terms for safety onboard Mauritius.
The projected conducted round table discussion was preceded by a documentary film in Geneva, Switzerland and The Gambia. The film, produced by Pascal Baumgartner, retraces the adventures and challenges faced by the “Sailing for Mangroves” 2023 expedition. Along with the scientific aspects of the project, the panelists will highlight their aspirations to train the next generation of environmental stewards, connecting decision-makers with up-to-date science, and inspiring communities to understand and protect the ecosystems that we all depend on.
In January 2025, the team will be offering three FREE lectures from our partners at the University of Geneva’s Aquatic Physics Group. These lectures will explore key physical processes, such as the sediment-water interface and water surface dynamics.
Register below for this amazing opportunity!