On January 28, 2025, a virtual workshop was held to discuss the recommendations for the Gambia River Jetties, aimed at boosting the country’s riverine tourism and enhancing its resilience. The workshop brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including The Gambia Tourism Board, Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, and the National Environment Agency among others, to review key findings from technical assessments and discuss the future development of The Gambia river jetty network.

The session began with a welcome and an overview of the project’s objectives. Presentations followed on the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic assessments, which evaluated river conditions affecting navigation and jetty locations. The engineering assessment then focused on the structural integrity of the existing jetties and proposed new designs, highlighting necessary improvements and investment opportunities.

Participants also discussed the social, environmental, and economic impacts of developing these jetties. The goal is to support sustainable tourism development by enhancing infrastructure and fostering partnerships. Recommendations included addressing community needs, creating investment opportunities, and ensuring responsible tourism development practices.

Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed interventions, which will inform the final recommendations report. This collaborative approach aims to align the needs of local communities, tourists, and investors, driving sustainable growth and climate resilience in the tourism sector.

As part of the project, ten priority jetty sites across the Gambia River were identified, each with tailored development plans to meet specific market needs, from cultural heritage tourism to nature-based experiences.

This workshop marked an important step in the Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project, contributing to the broader objective of strengthening The Gambia’s tourism sector in the face of global climate challenges.