The Gambia

The Gambia Experience and The Cape Verde Experience are funding a two-stage carbon offset project which has been tailor-made by TICOS. Stage 1 of the project is a community tree planting programme and Stage 2 is the introduction of solar water heating systems to a number of large hotels in the Gambia.

10,000 new trees have already been planted in three community sites in the south of the Gambia. These trees have all been chosen for their wider benefits including food and nut trees.  All trees are protected for at least 20 years through management agreements signed by the village Alkalo (village head) on behalf of each community.

A number of hotels and other tourism related businesses in The Gambia have begun to look into the possibility of using solar water heating and one or two have bought units on an ad hoc basis.  As well as a high CO2 return, this part of the project creates high quality jobs and skilled training for local people.