National Node - The Gambia
Introducing ECOP Gambia
The ECOP Gambia node is a network of early-career ocean professionals in science and management dedicated to empowering young professionals and promoting sustainable ocean practices in The Gambia. The node was established under the auspices of the global ECOP Programme and is committed to professional development, knowledge exchange, and inclusive participation in ocean careers.
The Gambia shares an intimate cultural and economic connection with its river and ocean ecosystems, especially for coastal towns whose livelihood depends on fisheries and marine resources. However, these livelihoods are faced with threats from climate change, plastic pollution, and habitat degradation. ECOP Gambia addresses these issues through youth education, sensitization, and community-backed conservation.
Goals and Objectives
- Promote ocean literacy and coastal community outreach.
- Conduct media advocacy to influence public discourse.
- Organize training and workshops on ocean governance and marine conservation.
- Mobilize resources through fundraising and partnerships.
- Facilitate data sharing, capacity-building events, and professional networking.
What are the benefits for you to join our node?
- Access to mentorship, training, and global opportunities.
- Be part of a diverse and inclusive ocean-focused community.
- Opportunities to lead and co-design local and national ocean initiatives.
- Direct involvement in campaigns, fieldwork, and international collaborations.
Stay Connected with Us
ECOP Gambia Coordination Team
Contact: marinescientists2025@gmail.com or gambia@ecopdecade.org
Lead Coordinator
Ayodele Gbla
Ayodele is a passionate ocean advocate. She holds a BSc in Biology from the University of The Gambia and is currently pursuing an MSc in Climate Change and Marine Sciences. Her research focuses on the impacts of climate change on marine species. She has received specialized training in ocean governance from the International Ocean Institute (IOI), microplastic monitoring, and the EDHEORES Global Forum. Ayodele is actively engaged in ocean literacy campaigns and youth empowerment. As a former Welfare and Culture Minister in the UTG Students’ Union, she brings strong leadership and communication skills, with a deep commitment to empowering youth and promoting sustainable marine initiatives aligned with the UN Ocean Decade goals.
Deputy Coordinator
Dawn Pratt
Dawn is a marine environmentalist and emerging scientist dedicated to the sustainable management of coastal and aquatic resources. Her work focuses on addressing climate change, coastal degradation, and the protection of biodiversity in fragile marine environments. She brings expertise in environmental research, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Dawn plays a key role in ECOP Gambia’s outreach and technical activities, helping to ensure scientific integrity, gender equity, and youth leadership are central to the node’s work.
Secretary General
Amie Ndure
Amie is a marine biologist and climate change researcher with academic credentials in both science and meteorology. She holds a BSc in Biology with a minor in Public Health and a Postgraduate Diploma in Meteorology and Hydrology from the University of The Gambia. Amie also earned a master’s degree in Climate Change and Marine Science from the Atlantic Technical University in Cabo Verde.
Her research examined antibiotic-resistant bacteria in fish sold at the Mindelo Fish Market and surrounding polluted waters. As Secretary General, she coordinates administrative operations and ensures ECOP Gambia’s communications and record-keeping are well-managed and inclusive.
Comms. & Media Coordinator
Muhammed Hydara
Muhammed is a well-known environmentalist and youth leader in The Gambia. He studied Biology at the University of The Gambia and has led numerous national and international campaigns focused on climate justice, marine conservation, and youth mobilization. He is currently the Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA).
Muhammed co-organized Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change in The Gambia and has co-organized the country’s largest youth-led climate events since 2022. As the media and communications lead for ECOP Gambia, he develops strategic messaging, manages digital platforms, and leads storytelling efforts to amplify youth-led ocean action.
Finance Coordinator
Abubacarr Kujabie
Abubacarr is a marine scientist with a master’s degree in Climate Change and Marine Sciences. He specializes in mapping seagrass meadows and coastal zone management. He served as the national coordinator for the EU-funded Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+) Climate Resilience Project, where he gained experience in project management, stakeholder coordination, and donor relations.
As ECOP Gambia’s finance coordinator, he manages budgeting, fundraising strategies, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Assistant Finance Coordinator
Amadou Manneh
Amadou is a dedicated marine microbiologist and educator, driven by a passion to raise awareness about ocean health and biodiversity. He actively promotes climate change mitigation through environmental education in schools. His vision is to create a Gambia where ocean literacy is widespread and every citizen plays a role in conservation.
As Assistant Finance Coordinator, Amadou supports financial planning and record-keeping, while also contributing to field-based outreach activities.
Capacity Development Coordinator
Fatou Balleh Jobe
Fatou is a PhD candidate in Environmental Engineering at the University of Rostock in Germany, specializing in Bioenergy and Green Hydrogen with Carbon Capture, Storage, and Utilization (CCSU). She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UTG and a master’s in Biofuels and Green Hydrogen Technology from the University of Lome.
She is the co-founder of the West African Green Energy Development Organization (WAGEDO) and plays an active role in climate education, proposal writing, and organizing international conferences on circular economy and renewable energy. At ECOP Gambia, she leads training programs, mentoring schemes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to boost technical capacity.
Ocean Literacy Coordinator
Dr. Bintou Dibba
Dr. Bintou Dibba is a climate education consultant, pilot lead coordinator for the National Climate Action Council (NCAC), and lecturer at the University of The Gambia. She has vast experience in environmental governance, public policy, and higher education.
With a strong background in climate education and public engagement, Dr. Dibba guides ECOP Gambia’s educational outreach programs and curriculum development for ocean literacy. Her work ensures that ECOP Gambia’s campaigns are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with national policy goals