Through a landmark initiative funded by the French Facility for the Global Environment (FFEM), UNDP is supporting The Gambia to fulfil its commitments under the Stockholm Convention by addressing two critical environmental challenges: the safe management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the reduction of unintentional persistent organic pollutants (uPOPs) from open waste burning.

Training Communities for Change

In December this year, 62 participants from the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), National Environment Agency (NEA), and National Disaster Management Agency gathered for a transformative two-day awareness training on PCBs and uPOPs. The sessions combined technical knowledge with practical safety guidance, helping workers understand the risks associated with these hazardous substances and how to handle them safely.

"This training was an awakening," shared one participant, referring to the eye-opening revelations about household and community-level exposure risks. The training emphasised that PCB exposure mainly occurs through direct contact with contaminated transformer oil, and importantly, that not all transformers contain PCBs. Out of 1179 screened transformers, only seven have been confirmed as PCB-positive after laboratory testing.

From Waste to Wealth

Building on the foundation laid through pilot interventions such as the construction of compost chambers in five regions of The Gambia, the distribution of over 650 waste bins to various councils, and the provision of tricycles to healthcare facilities and municipal councils via the GEF-funded project initiative, UNDP and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have launched a comprehensive 7–9-month training programme titled "Municipal Waste Management and Circular Economy for a Safer Gambia." This innovative initiative brings together municipal technical teams, community-based groups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and national policy actors to transform waste management across the country.

The programme focuses on practical solutions: improving waste collection systems, developing composting facilities, establishing waste banking systems, and creating sustainable livelihoods from recycling activities. With workshops scheduled for 2025 and 2026, participants are learning how to turn waste challenges into economic opportunities while protecting public health and the environment.

Monitoring Progress on the Ground

A recent UNDP monitoring mission visited eight intervention sites across The Gambia's regions, from Farafenni in the North Bank to Jara Soma in the Lower River Region. The team verified composting initiatives and solid waste management improvements, ensuring that investments deliver real results for communities.

Looking Ahead

The project represents a total investment of EUR 9.2 million, with co-financing from the Global Environment Facility, the Government of The Gambia agencies, The UNDP and UNITAR. By addressing both PCB disposal and open waste burning, The Gambia is taking decisive action to reduce uPOP releases by 20% nationally while creating green jobs and building climate resilience.

This initiative demonstrates how environmental protection, economic development, and community empowerment go hand in hand," noted the UNDP Resident Representative at the November workshop opening. "Together, we're building a safer, healthier Gambia for generations to come."

This project contributes to UNDP's commitment to sustainable development and The Gambia's obligations under international environmental agreements.