WACA partners with young climate advocates to host Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY).

The Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change in The Gambia (LCOY), a significant event aimed at empowering young voices in climate action, spotlights the Kotu Stream as it discusses the WACA Project and building community resilience to climate change. Hosted at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center between 14-15 September 2024, the conference was attended by more than 200 youth from across The Gambia.

The LCOY dedicated a significant amount of time discussing the WACA Project objectives and activities along the Kotu Stream and beyond. Conference participants also toured the Stream and later shared their thoughts on the project activities and how to build the resilience of communities.

“The WACA Project generously contributed 75% of the funding for our conference, underscoring the Project’s steadfast dedication to environmental causes and the ambitions of today's youth,” said Haddijatou Ceesay, LCOY The Gambia Coordinator. “The Project team was also at hand to discuss the Project objectives and activities and led the conference participants on a tour of the Kotu Stream. This was a great opportunity for the youth to learn and share their views on the project’.”

Following the conclusion of the conference, delegates formulated a National Youth Statement which was delivered to the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources ahead of COP29, outlining “the demands and recommendations of Gambian youth in addressing the climate crisis”.