As climate change is becoming a global issue, Concern Universal in Yundum recently held a 2 day Alternative Forum at the 'Gambia is good'.

Since its inception in the 1990s, Concern Universal has worked in every region of the country supporting local communities and organizations with the facilitation of projects aimed at poverty reduction and increased standard of living.

Among the many projects, activities have focused on sustainable environmental practices. The main areas centred around establishing community and regional orchards, woodlots and seedling nurseries, tree planting campaigns, tree nurseries, beekeeping and honey production, the introduction and use of improved seed varieties and farming system, as well as training for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices and agro-forestry systems.

The current activities of Concern Universal include Casamance Peace Building Projects, Disaster Risk reduction, families Gambia is good farm, Jatropha Research pilot, among others.

According to a document presented to participants at the forum which also disclosed possible areas for climate change/carbon financing activities in the Gambia, which talk about sustainable land management (forestry), fuel efficient cooking stoves, bio-technologies, solar power and wind energy.

Presentations were made by Patricia Wall, country director, The Gambia and Senegal. Other presenters include Mr. Bah Saho from the Department of Energy and Mr. Marcel Badjie of St. Joseph's Family Farm, among others. Foroyaa will come up with some of the presentations in our publications.