28/10/2026
GMA DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL CALLS FOR STRONGER SUB-REGIONAL COOPERATION ON MARINE POLLUTION
The Deputy Director General of GMA, Mr. Ousman Touray, has called for stronger sub-regional cooperation to prepare for and respond to marine pollution incidents. Speaking at the opening of a four-day sub-regional workshop at Bakadaji Hotel in Bijilo, running from 26 to 29 October 2026, he emphasised timely information sharing, coordinated action and mutual assistance among states and institutions across the sub-region. The workshop is jointly organised and sponsored by the International Maritime Organisation and IPIECA -the Global Oil and Gas Association for Advancing Environmental and Social Performance Across the Energy Transition, under the GIWACAF initiative and The Gambia Maritime Administration.
PROTECTING A SHARED MARITIME RESOURCE
Mr. Touray highlighted the marine environment’s importance to the region’s economies, communities and ecosystems. He also noted its role in providing essential ecological services and strengthening resilience to climate change.
“The marine environment is one of our most valuable shared resources. It sustains biodiversity, supports fisheries, facilitates maritime trade, promotes tourism, and provides livelihoods for millions of people across our region. For many of our countries, the ocean serves as a foundation for economic growth, food security, and social well-being”.
ADDRESSING THE RISKS
Despite their vast size, oceans remain fragile and vulnerable to pollution, Mr. Touray warned. He identified threats from offshore operations, the extraction and transportation of oil and hazardous substances, marine litter and other forms of pollution. These can damage sensitive habitats, contaminate fisheries, undermine tourism, affect public health and impose substantial economic costs.
A FRAMEWORK FOR COORDINATED ACTION
Mr. Touray stressed the importance of a sub-regional cooperation framework to guide preparedness, response and mutual assistance during pollution emergencies. The framework, he said, should set out clear procedures for cooperation before, during and after an incident.
“The framework should establish clear procedures for cooperation before, during, and after marine pollution incidents. It should facilitate the sharing of information and expertise, promote joint training and exercises, improve access to response resources, and provide mechanisms through which countries can request and provide assistance when needed”.
BUILDING LONG TERM RESILIENCE
Mr. Touray concluded by urging stronger partnerships and sustained commitments across the sub-region. He called on member countries to prioritise environmental protection and sustainable development as part of their efforts to build long-term resilience.
COMMUNICATION UNIT, GMA
