1 April, Dakar – The Gambian National Environment Agency (NEA) issued yesterday, 31 March, a “Stop Notice” to Golden Lead, a Chinese Fishmeal plant on the shores of Gunjur. The order puts an end to extension works and requires the immediate evacuation of all equipment and personnel on-site.
Greenpeace Africa welcomes the Gambian government’s decision, which comes only days after Greenpeace Africa and Gambian environmental activists have condemned the expansion of the Golden Lead factory. Such plants are repeatedly exposed as destructive for fish stocks, as well as the health of the population.
“It is a good day for the people of the Gambia and for the ocean and its biodiversity. The decision to stop expansion plans by the fishmeal and fish oil industry is a victory for the women farmers of Gunjur and Gambian civil society,” said Dr. Aliou Ba, Political Advisor at Greenpeace Africa in Dakar.
Greenpeace Africa urges the Gambian government to shut down all fishmeal and fish oil factories, ensure sustainable management of fishery resources, protect the environment, and improve women’s livelihoods. It further calls on the governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to follow suit.
ENDS
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