The Gambia has validated the draft implementing regulations for its National Climate Change Act, 2026, following a two-day consultative meeting with more than 80 stakeholders from government, academic and civil society institutions.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), dated May 14, the draft places The Gambia among 75 countries worldwide that have developed a framework to address climate change concerns.

“This is more than a regulatory exercise. It is a national commitment to protect our people, empower our communities, and secure a climate-resilient future for The Gambia,” Rohey John Manjang, The Gambia’s minister of environment, climate change and natural resources, said.

The resolutions reached in the draft include a “ 60-day rule to end institutional delays” that compels government agencies to resolve mandate conflicts within 60 days or risk intervention of the National Climate Change Council.

Another important resolution is that The Gambia will constitute a National Loss and Damage Registry to track “climate-induced losses—including displacement— strengthening claims for international climate finance.”

The draft also recommends that organisations running climate projects must first obtain the consent of the community through free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) before launch.

 “Any project affecting communities without FPIC is void from the start. Communities may now request independent observers to witness FPIC processes,” the Ministry of Environment said. 

Additionally, the draft mandated a 25 per cent community revenue share for communities affected by climate projects. Organisations earning from carbon credits must render a quarter of their earnings to the local communities hosting the projects.

Eugene Itua of Natural Eco Capital, who developed the draft, said the framework would immensely benefit Gambians.

“One of the most forward-looking climate governance frameworks on the continent—built by Gambians, for Gambians, and ready to inspire the region,” Mr Itua said.

The regulations are still in draft form and will become legally binding after they are gazetted into law. The Gambian government noted the “crucial role of Natural Eco Capital, the lead consultant, for delivering the drafts despite a very tight deadline”. Natural Eco Capital developed the draft climate regulation. This was built on the draft climate bill the organisation prepared earlier, which passed the third reading at the National Assembly and awaits presidential assent.. The validation followed a national workshop held last August, with Natural Eco Capital from Nigeria playing a role in achieving the national consensus on the climate change bill and policy.