Gambia Lower River Conservationist
Commonwealth Point of Light 200. Momodou Inkeh Bah
Momodou Inkeh Bah, representing The Gambia, aged 36, is the founder of ‘Community Action Platform on Environment and Development (CAPED)’, a grassroots non-profit organisation that is restoring degraded mangrove and forest areas in the Lower River, one of the main tributaries of the River Gambia.
Momodou’s initiative has planted over three million mangrove propagules and created over five kilometres of forest, repairing damaged ecosystems and providing safe habitats for wildlife. The initiative is also helping creating jobs for local people, and ensuring that poorer rural families living have better protection from the impacts of climate change, by preserving vulnerable coastlines from heavy storms and erosion.
Momodou said:
“As I humbly accept this award, I would like to make some important comments. Combating climate change will need all our leadership, all our commitment, all our ingenuity. This is not going to be easy. Nonetheless, I want to emphasise that, by facing up to this crisis, we have been given an exciting opportunity to make progress on a wide range of sustainable development issues. It is an opportunity we must seize. By pursuing a green economy based on efficient and equitable resource use, we will cut down greenhouse gas emissions and protect essential ecosystems.
“At the same time, we will reinvigorate national economies, create employment and livelihood opportunities, improve human well-being and achieve our sustainable development targets.”
David Belgrove OBE, British High Commissioner to The Gambia, said:
“Momodou Inkeh is a shining example of how individuals can make a positive impact. His innovation and commitment benefits The Gambia, its people and the Earth’s environment as a whole.”