by Fatou Sanneh
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through the Adapt’Action Programme, on Wednesday 22nd July 2026 concluded a three-day technical workshop aimed at developing The Gambia’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) System for the adaptation component of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
The workshop brought together technical experts and key stakeholders to identify sectoral adaptation priorities aligned with the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) under the Paris Agreement and develop logical frameworks to strengthen the country’s adaptation Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system.
Building on the outcomes of the National Workshop held in January 2026 and the Adaptation MEL Baseline Study, the initiative seeks to enhance The Gambia’s capacity to monitor progress, measure results, and support evidence-based planning, implementation, and reporting on climate adaptation.
Opening the workshop, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Ms. Ndey Fatou Jobe, described the initiative as a significant step towards ensuring that the country’s climate adaptation commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for communities.
“We are not just designing a monitoring system. We are building the technical backbone that will determine whether The Gambia’s adaptation commitments deliver for real communities, or remain on paper,” she said.
Ms. Jobe noted that recent developments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement present new opportunities for The Gambia. She highlighted the updated National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Guidelines for Least Developed Countries and the adoption of the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators at COP30, which require countries to establish and operationalize national adaptation monitoring systems by 2030.
She also expressed appreciation to the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Adapt’Action Programme for their continued technical and financial support in advancing The Gambia’s climate adaptation agenda.
In his welcoming remarks, Director of the National Climate Change Secretariat, Mr. Lamin S. Jammeh, underscored the importance of establishing a robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system capable of tracking adaptation actions under the NDC, National Communications, Biennial Transparency Reports, and other climate reporting obligations.
He explained that the objective is to avoid fragmented reporting mechanisms by integrating adaptation monitoring into existing national reporting frameworks, thereby enhancing efficiency, coordination, and accountability.
Representing the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Deputy Permanent Secretary Asumana Sanneh reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to translating adaptation priorities into bankable investment projects capable of attracting sustainable climate finance and delivering measurable development outcomes.
He emphasized that NDC 3.0 should serve not only as a statement of national ambition but also as a practical investment framework that mobilizes climate finance, strengthens resilience, protects vulnerable communities, and promotes sustainable economic development.
The Adapt’Action Programme Coordinator, Ms. Tardivel Geraldine, reaffirmed the Programme’s commitment to supporting the Government of The Gambia in developing a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system that is fully aligned with national priorities.
She noted that the workshop’s outcomes would play a pivotal role in shaping the system’s methodological framework and impact pathways, encouraging participants to contribute their knowledge and technical expertise throughout the process.
The workshop marks another important milestone in strengthening The Gambia’s institutional capacity to monitor, evaluate, and report on climate adaptation efforts. It is expected to enhance the effective implementation of NDC 3.0 while advancing the country’s commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
