SAILING FOR MANGROVES

Friday, 19 January 2024 | 4pm | Alliance Francaise de Banjul 16 Kairaba Ave, Serrekunda

 FILM & ROUND TABLE

The Sail for Mangroves Expedition, launched in January of 2023 is a new programme with cooperation between Pacifique Foundation, University of Geneva (UNIGE), Swansea University, and the GREAT Institute. On board the floating lab Mauritius, a 30-metre steel schooner flying the Swiss flag, participants of the programme explore the Gambia River. The purpose of the expedition is to train Gambian students on coastal and marine research to assess basic ecological factors - the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the River Gambia, and expose students to the vast biodiversity along various tributaries (locally called “bolong”). 

The 50 km scientific mission upstream to Bintang Bolong en route to Bao Bolong, measured atmospheric, aquatic, and sediment environments, including concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The students also learned about life onboard a sailing boat, including learning everyday sailing terms for safety onboard Mauritius.

This round table discussion preceded by a documentary film retraces the adventures and challenges faced by the “Sailing for Mangroves” expedition. Along the scientific aspects of the project, the panelists will highlight their aspirations to train the next generation of environmental stewards, connecting decision makers with up-to-date science, and inspiring communities to understand and protect the ecosystems that we all depend on.

AGENDA

FILM

Sailing for Mangroves, a Scientific Expedition (2023, Pascal Baumgartner)

ROUND TABLE

Ms Maiyai Taal Hocheimy - Founder, Director of GREAT Institute, The Gambia

Prof. Daniel F. McGinnis - Director of Dept. F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva

Prof. Kam Tang - Chair of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK

Mr. Pietro Godenzi - President and founding member of Pacifique, Geneva

Mr. Momodou Faal - Undergraduate Student, University of The Gambia, The Gambia Program Officer, GREAT Institute, The Gambia

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

VENUE

Friday, 19 January 2024, 4pm

Alliance Francaise de Banjul 16 Kairaba Ave, Serrekunda

Free admission without registration