The Power of Now: Ousainu Colley’s Bold Stand Against Climate Change in Gambia

IOLDCs: Can you introduce yourself and tell me what your field of activity is? 

Ousainu Colley: I am Ousainu Colley, and I am from Gambia. I am a youth leader and climate change advocate. I am a programme officer for GreenUp Gambia, an environmental movement dedicated to tackling climate change. My primary role is ensuring that all GreenUp initiatives and activities are successfully implemented nationwide.

IOLDCs: What inspired you to get involved in climate change advocacy? 

Ousainu Colley: I was inspired to join climate change advocacy because of the impact I witnessed in my own country. Growing up, I saw the land in Gambia change drastically—forests that once flourished were destroyed, wildlife disappeared, and fertile land became infertile. Agriculture, which used to thrive, has struggled due to erosion and deforestation. As I watched food scarcity become a real problem, I realized the need for action. As a young Gambian, I felt a personal responsibility to make a difference and help restore our environment.

IOLDCs: Can you share a success story or project you are particularly proud of? 

Ousainu Colley: One of the projects I am particularly proud of is the Climate Cycle Project. This initiative engages school children and communities by teaching them how to propagate seedlings and set up seed banks. Our goal at GreenUp Gambia is to keep the country green, and this project empowers local communities to participate actively in environmental restoration. Helping schools and communities establish their own seed banks ensures long-term sustainability in tree planting and environmental protection.

IOLDCs: What steps are local businesses taking to adapt to the impacts of climate change? 

Ousainu Colley: Local companies, particularly in agriculture and coastal areas, are increasingly aware of the need to adjust. Some focus on sustainable farming practices and water conservation to deal with declining soil fertility and erratic weather. Beach restoration efforts, like planting coconut trees along the coast, are another example of business involvement, helping mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.

IOLDCs: Are there any local innovations or community initiatives using technology to address climate change? 

Ousainu Colley: Yes, one key initiative is the production of biochar, a technology that converts organic waste into charcoal. This addresses two significant issues: waste management and deforestation. By creating biochar, communities reduce reliance on traditional charcoal from cutting down trees, helping protect forests while managing waste more sustainably.

IOLDCs: What role does community cooperation play in addressing the impacts of climate change in Gambia? 

Ousainu Colley: Community cooperation is essential in addressing climate change. In Gambia, many rural communities depend on agriculture, and climate change has severely impacted their livelihoods. By involving these communities directly in decision-making, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts, we ensure that their voices are heard and that solutions are tailored to their needs. Their participation is critical for creating long-lasting change.

IOLDCs: How do people in Gambia participate in climate-related decision-making processes, if at all? 

Ousainu Colley: In Gambia, local communities are involved in climate-related decision-making processes, mainly through community-based organizations and cooperatives. At GreenUp Gambia, we ensure that every program includes community input, as they are directly affected by climate change. Involving women’s groups, youth organizations, and traditional communicators helps ensure that decisions are aligned with the community’s needs and realities.

IOLDCs: How do you engage local communities in your climate change initiatives? 

Ousainu Colley: We engage local communities through hands-on involvement in projects like tree planting, biochar production, and beach restoration. We work closely with schools, youth groups, women’s cooperatives, and local leaders to raise awareness and encourage participation. We also focus on educating communities about sustainable practices and empowering them to take action.

IOLDCs: Can you share examples of how community involvement has impacted your projects? 

Ousainu Colley: One powerful example is our Summer Go Green Initiative, which mobilized communities across the Gambia to participate in tree planting during the rainy season. By involving local women’s cooperatives, youth leaders, and schools, we were able to plant trees nationwide. The community’s active involvement increased our impact and fostered a long-term sense of ownership and responsibility for maintaining these trees.

IOLDCs: What strategies do you find most effective in raising awareness about climate change?

Ousainu Colley: One of the most effective strategies is using traditional communicators—local leaders, women’s groups, and youth organizations—to spread information. These groups are trusted voices in the community, and they help ensure that the message resonates with people on the ground. We also organize community events, workshops, and educational programs in schools to increase awareness about climate change and encourage action.

IOLDCs: How important is youth involvement in climate change advocacy? 

Ousainu Colley: Youth involvement is crucial in climate change advocacy, especially in Gambia, where a large portion of the population is young. Young people are the future leaders and decision-makers, and their engagement ensures that climate change remains a priority. By educating and involving them in initiatives like tree planting and biochar production, we empower them to take ownership of environmental issues and drive sustainable change.

IOLDCs: Is there any final message you would like to share regarding the fight against climate change with our audience?

Ousainu Colley: I am calling on everyone to take Climate Action. Climate Action is the real solution to the fight against climate change. I’m calling on the youth, the women, the community leaders, community alliances, and everybody to join the fight. But what matters most is to act. Act Now!