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Group Photo from the Project Launch
In an ambitious effort to address chemicals and waste management challenges in The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the National Environment Agency (NEA) of the Government of The Gambia, and other stakeholders have partnered to improve The Gambia’s capacity to effectively manage polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and unintentional persistent organic pollutants (uPOPs) through the project "Strengthening National and Municipal Capacities for the Sound Management of PCBs and uPOPs in The Gambia". The project was launched in Banjul, The Gambia, on 5 March 2025, bringing together stakeholders from international organizations, government agencies, private sector, academia, civil society and non-governmental organizations, local communities and the media.
This three-year project (2024 – 2026), managed by UNDP with funding from the FFEM, and co-financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNITAR, the Government of The Gambia, and other local partners, aims to achieve the following results:
Ensure the decommissioning and environmentally sound disposal of PCB waste.
Implement measures to reduce emissions and releases of uPOPs from the uncontrolled open burning of waste.
The project will work closely with and build on the results and experiences of the GEF project “Capacity Building for PCBs and U-POPs in The Gambia” to promote best available techniques and best environmental practices. In her welcoming remarks, Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Resident Representative for The Gambia, noted that, “this initiative is part of UNDP’s efforts to build national capacity towards creating a healthier, cleaner environment for improved human health, and sustained ecosystem services in The Gambia. We believe this is crucial towards achieving the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030”.
This intervention is timely given the upcoming deadlines of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants under which PCBs are controlled. “All Parties to the Stockholm Convention must eliminate the use of PCBs in equipment by 2025 and ensure the environmentally sound management of liquids containing PCBs and equipment contaminated with PCBs by 2028. This requires collective action. The NEA started this process with a previous GEF project and now, guided by the Zero Waste, Circular economy, and Plastics service offers of the Chemicals and Waste hub, UNDP will support stakeholders towards the achievement of this goal while building capacity for long term sustainability” – Xiaofang Zhou - Director, UNDP Chemicals and Waste Hub remarked.
Asserting the critical importance of the project towards The Gambia’s efforts in meeting international commitments on sound chemicals and waste management, Dr. Dawda Badgie, Executive Director of the National Environment Agency remarked that “this project will be a significant contribution to the country’s efforts towards fulfilling her commitments under the Stockholm Convention to eliminate POPs, including PCBs, dioxins, and furans. We will collaborate with UNDP and other stakeholders to achieve the project goals".
Participants consistently expressed enthusiasm for the innovative and multifaceted nature of the initiative, with Diane Ménard, Project Manager, Pollution – Circular Economy – Ozone, FFEM, pointing out that, “this project reaffirms the FFEM’s commitment to supporting and promoting innovative solutions to chemicals and waste management problems. The project uses a multipronged approach to address chemicals and waste management challenges in The Gambia with particular focus on activities ranging from baseline assessments and inventories, laying the foundation for targeted data-driven actions, to the introduction of real-world solutions for waste management and POPs reduction through environmentally sound alternatives”.
The Chair of the Project Steering Committee, Resident Representative of UNDP Gambia, and the Co-Chair, Executive Director of Gambia NEA, launch the project.
UNDP will lead overall implementation of the project while UNITAR provides international experts, facilitate specialized training, and assist in developing regulations to empower the public and private sectors, as well as the civil society to adopt sustainable waste management practices and sound management of PCBs. Despite the crucial roles UNDP and UNITAR play, the success of the project depends on the ownership and strong engagement of the national stakeholders. Therefore, we encourage all actors to support the implementation of the project. This is an opportunity to address local challenges in The Gambia while contributing towards global efforts to ensure a healthier, safer environment for all.
For more information on the project kindly contact marie.chorr@undp.org
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow us on X at @undp.
About FFEM: The FFEM supports pilot and innovative projects that benefit the environment in developing countries. These projects contribute to preserving biodiversity, climate, international waters, land, and the ozone layer while combating pollution. Created in 1994 by the French government following the first Earth Summit, since its inception, the FFEM has supported more than 400 projects with a total of €500 million in over 120 countries, 70% of which are located in Africa and the Mediterranean.
www.ffem.fr | X/Twitter : @FFEM_Fr | LinkedIn : lien
About UNITAR: UNITAR is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations, providing innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations, and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. Learn more at unitar.org or follow us on X at @UNITAR.
About NEA: The NEA is a semi-autonomous agency established to serve as the principal body responsible for overall management of the environment in The Gambia. It works to preserve natural resources, prevent environmental degradation, and raise public awareness about environmental issues. Learn more at nea.gm or follow us on X at @NEAGambia.
