How Gambian women are restoring the mangroves protecting Banjul

In the Tanbi Wetland near Banjul, Gambian women have become stewards of mangrove restoration while maintaining their traditional livelihoods. Fatou Jarjue, a 34-year-old mother, navigates the wetland's narrow channels daily in her wooden canoe, harvesting crabs and other marine resources that sustain her family. Her work reflects a dual commitment: extracting resources necessary for survival while simultaneously rebuilding the ecosystem that provides them.

Jarjue's connection to the wetland runs deep. She began learning its rhythms at age twelve, following her mother into the mangroves to learn harvesting techniques passed down through generations. Over the years, she observed environmental changes—rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and shifting weather patterns—that threatened the shoreline her community depends upon. Rather than continuing solely as a resource extractor, she chose to become a restorer.

The mangroves themselves serve a critical dual function. These salt-tolerant coastal trees provide oysters, crabs, and fish that form the economic foundation for women like Jarjue, while simultaneously acting as natural barriers against erosion and flooding. The seasonal rhythm of harvesting shapes her work: during the rainy season, oyster collection pauses, prompting a shift toward crab fishing until conditions improve.

Jarjue's restoration efforts have expanded significantly, with over 5,000 mangroves replanted since the previous year. Her current activities extend beyond harvesting to include inspecting seedlings, replacing damaged plants, and identifying areas requiring restoration work. For Jarjue, conservation and survival are inseparable—strengthening the mangrove ecosystem directly strengthens her community's future prospects.