Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has called on Gambian journalists to play a frontline role in raising public awareness and driving attitudinal change on critical environmental issues, including the enforcement of the 2015 plastic bag ban and anti-littering laws.
Speaking at the opening of one-day media clinic held at the NEA Documentation Centre in Kanifing on Thursday, Senior program officer Sheikh Alkinky sanyang Environmental Education &Communications unit, said the annual gathering was designed to update over 40 journalists drawn from the print, electronic and online media on pressing environmental challenges affecting the country.
Mr. Sanyang explained that the forum aimed to equip journalists with accurate information that would help them become advocates for positive change. “This one-day media clinic will brief Gambian journalists from across the media spectrum on issues that can seriously harm animal and human health. Our hope is that you will use your platforms to inform the public and trigger positive action,” he said.
Program Officer for Environmental Impact Assessment, kemo Kijera, was also present at the event. Lamin Camara Director of inter-sectoral service Network (DISN ), reminded participants that the media was one of the agency’s key partners in its mission to protect The Gambia’s fragile environment. “Your role is not just to report but to help drive change through the stories you tell and the information you share with the public,” he noted.
Experts from various NEA units delivered presentations on topics including the Ban on Plastic Bags Order, 2015, anti-littering regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the safe management of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
Assan MS Dukureh Program Manager Environmental Quality, who presented on the plastic bag ban, explained that the law prohibited the manufacture, importation, sale and use of plastic bags in The Gambia, in line with the National Environment Management Act. “This ban reflects a national commitment to protect the environment, public health and promote sustainable waste management,” he said.
Luntang Conateh Principal Environmental Inspector ( present Anti littering Regulations and enforcement in general, while, Lamin Jaiteh Program Manager Hazados chemical and pesticides, spoke on commonly used chemicals, their health risks and the importance of safe handling.
Closing the session, NEA officials urged journalists to share the knowledge gained with their audiences and help communities adopt better waste management and environmental practices. “We count on you to be agents of change. Your stories can reach every corner of the country and help ensure The Gambia remains clean and safe for all,” Mr. Sanyang concluded.
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