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The Banjul Declaration (1977)

A National Call to Protect The Gambia’s Natural Heritage

The Banjul Declaration, issued in 1977 by Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, was one of the earliest and most influential national statements on environmental conservation in The Gambia. It was a formal appeal to safeguard the country’s rapidly diminishing wildlife, forests, and natural ecosystems during a time of accelerating environmental decline.

Sir Dawda’s message emphasized that The Gambia had, within a short period of history, witnessed the disappearance of many of its iconic wildlife species and significant loss of forest cover. He warned that without decisive action, the nation risked losing its irreplaceable biodiversity.

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Context and Motivation

By the 1970s, deforestation, uncontrolled hunting, and expanding settlements had severely damaged the country’s ecosystems. Numerous species—including lions, leopards, and elephants—had already disappeared or dwindled to near‑extinction. Sir Dawda described this loss as “a sobering reflection” and emphasized that protecting wildlife was a duty owed not only to The Gambia but to Africa and the world.

He also acknowledged the tension between national development goals—such as urbanization and road construction—and their negative impact on the environment.

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Core Message of the Declaration

At the heart of the Banjul Declaration was a solemn pledge:

• To conserve The Gambia’s remaining flora and fauna
• To protect natural habitats
• To encourage responsible environmental stewardship for current and future generations

Sir Dawda wrote:

“My Government pledges its untiring efforts to conserve for now and posterity as wide a spectrum as possible of our remaining fauna and flora.”
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He emphasized that losing the country’s natural heritage—“the product of millions of years of evolution”—would be tragic and unacceptable.

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Impact and Legacy

The Banjul Declaration became a foundational environmental policy document for The Gambia. It helped inspire:

• The development of protected areas such as Abuko Nature Reserve and Kiang West National Park
• New conservation laws and the establishment of the Wildlife Conservation Department with support from international partners like WWF
• Greater national awareness of environmental protection and biodiversity loss

Decades later, environmental organizations and activists in The Gambia continue to reference the Banjul Declaration as a guiding document and have even called for its reaffirmation.

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Why It Matters Today

The Banjul Declaration remains one of the most significant environmental commitments in the nation’s history. Its themes—responsibility, stewardship, and preservation of natural heritage—continue to resonate strongly with environmental organizations such as KAIRACLO.

The declaration’s message aligns with modern priorities:

• Protecting ecosystems
• Promoting conservation education
• Encouraging sustainable development
• Building a culture of environmental responsibility

For KAIRACLO, the Banjul Declaration stands as a historical and moral touchstone—a reminder of the enduring importance of safeguarding the environment for future generations.