SAILING FOR MANGROVES

 Sailing for Mangroves in The Gambia

Launched in January of 2023, the SFM expedition is a new programme with collaboration between Pacifique Foundation, the 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 expedition aims 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 of Bintang Bolong, en route to Bao Bolong, measured atmospheric, aquatic, and sediment environments, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations. The students also learned about life on board a sailing boat, including learning everyday sailing terms for safety on board Mauritius.

The project held a roundtable discussion, preceded by a documentary film, in Geneva, Switzerland, and The Gambia. The film, produced by Pascal Baumgartner, retraces the adventures and challenges faced by the “Sailing for Mangroves” 2023 expedition. Along with the scientific aspects of the project, the panelists will highlight their aspirations to train the next generation of environmental stewards, connect decision-makers with up-to-date science, and inspire communities to understand and protect the ecosystems we all depend on.

In June 2026, the team will be offering three FREE lectures from our partners at the University of Geneva’s Aquatic Physics Group. These lectures will explore key physical processes, including the sediment-water interface and water-surface dynamics.

Register below for this amazing opportunity!