The National Environment Agency, under the GEF Land and Seascape Project, launched the Landscape Planning and Restoration Curriculum at Kafuta Forestry School to improve ecosystem services and livelihoods. Funded by the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Environment Program, the curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive education in sustainable forest management and conservation. Key stakeholders, including Ousainou Touray and Principal Momodou Lamin Njai, emphasized the curriculum's importance in addressing gaps in forestry education and promoting environmental conservation in Gambia.

The Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) Board held a strategic meeting at the Ocean Bay Hotel in Bakau, focusing on financial performance, dividend payments, and future planning of its subsidiaries. Chairman Oreme Joiner emphasized the importance of oversight and performance to ensure value for shareholders and stakeholders. Subsidiary CEOs provided updates on achievements and challenges, discussing strategies for sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

On January 18, 2024, the National Environment Agency of Gambia, along with partners, conducted a training session for National Assembly members on the implementation of GEAP III and environmental management, including the Coastal Zone Bill 2023. The training aimed to enhance the understanding of environmental issues and the role of the NEA. Essa Conteh, deputy chairperson of the Environment Select Committee, expressed the National Assembly's support for environmental protection. NEA director Dr. Dawda Badjie emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental threats and the importance of legislative support for effective implementation of environmental laws. Heiko Seilert and Abubacarr Kujabi from GCCA+ discussed the Integrated Coastal Zone Management bill and its significance for the country's climate resilience.

Saloum Malang, the Managing Director of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), presented a detailed overview of The Gambia's social security landscape at the International Social Protection Conference. He discussed the key players, schemes, administering organizations, coverage, pensionable age, and benefit payments. Malang highlighted SSHFC's membership numbers, communication efforts, and the development of the Social Security Management Information System (SSMIS) to digitize operations. The presentation was well-received by delegates and emphasized SSHFC's dedication to innovation and responsive engagement in social protection.

Sino Majilac, led by Alhaji Momodou Samateh, plans to restore old mining sites in Kombo through dredging to mitigate environmental damage caused by sand mining. A feasibility study by Haskoning B.V. highlighted the need to remove sand deposits to prevent erosion and nourish Banjul. The company aims to refill exhausted coastal dunes, potentially generating significant revenue. Former NEA director Mommodou Jama Suwareh emphasized the importance of dredging to prevent further land degradation. Public relations manager Banka Manneh noted the adverse effects of degraded mines on local development.

Plastic pollution and ghost nets pose significant threats to marine species, particularly in The Gambia. These issues, exacerbated by illegal fishing practices, endanger marine life such as turtles and fish. Organizations like Smile For Life and the West African Sea Turtle Conservation Network are actively working to mitigate these threats through conservation efforts and public awareness campaigns. However, challenges remain, including inadequate waste management and the destructive impact of fishing trawlers on local livelihoods. The Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources has been criticized for its lack of response to these pressing issues.

A forum on mangrove co-management for women shell-fishers and food security projects was held in Bijilo, involving 'Try Oyster' association, University of Cape Coast, Development Action Association, World Agroforestry, and University of Rhode Island. The forum discussed findings from a two-year study on mangrove restoration, highlighting the unique situation in Gambia compared to Ghana, with concerns over mangrove degradation due to urban pressure and harvesting for firewood. The forum aimed to involve stakeholders in mangrove restoration, raise awareness, and share evidence collected. The Fish4ACP Project Coordinator from FAO detailed the FISH4ACP initiative's efforts to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains, with a ten-year vision developed for the oyster value chain.

QCell, a telecommunication company under the Q Group, has signed a contract worth over five million dalasi with GRTS for the live broadcast of AFCON matches. The CEO of QCell, Muhammed Jah, highlighted the deal's role in promoting national unity and supporting local businesses. Additionally, the Q-Group Foundation awarded ten university scholarships, with plans to double this next year. The Minister of Information, Lamin Queen Jammeh, and the Director of GRTS, Abdoulie Sey, both praised the partnership. The Q-Group Foundation has a history of supporting sustainable development initiatives since 2016 and has an MOU with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to advance education.