Aminata E. Sanyang

Story: This story follows a grassroots group of conservationists in Gunjur, a coastal town in The Gambia, who are at the frontline of the fight to protect the community fragile ecosystems. Faced with multiple threats including a polluting Chinese fishmeal factory, coastal erosion caused by climate change, and ongoing deforestation, these local activists have taken it upon themselves to defend their environment and preserve biodiversity for future generations. The fishmeal factory, which exports to international markets, has become a symbol of the environmental exploitation affecting many Gambian coastal communities, similar to what Sanyang is facing. Local activists in Gunjur have documented and protested the factory’s pollution of the sea and land, which has led to fish depletion and contamination of water sources. At the same time, the community is grappling with the impacts of rising sea levels, which are eroding coastlines and threatening habitats for marine life and migratory birds.

Published in: October 15, 2025