Specialist UK tour operator The Gambia Experience has been formally recognised by CAPED Gambia (Community Action Platform on Environment & Development) for its long-standing support of mangrove restoration and tree-planting projects across The Gambia.    

Founder and CEO Mr Momodou Bah presented Certificates of Appreciation to the company's locally based resort staff in Kololi, in recognition of the Hampshire tour operator's funding support for climate resilience and community-led conservation initiatives.    

Over the past five years, The Gambia Experience has provided vital funding and partnership support to CAPED's grassroots initiatives, delivering measurable environmental and social impact, including:   

• Exceptional survival rates: More than 85% of planted mangroves, fruit trees, and endangered species have survived and are thriving.
• National recognition: The restoration site in Soma has been designated an ecologically sensitive area by the Gambian Ministry of Environment and the Department of Forestry.
• Community benefits: Over 150 local people are already benefiting from improved wetlands, fishing grounds, and farming opportunities, with projections to reach 3,000 rice farmers, oyster farmers, fishermen and community members.
• Eco-tourism development: The Soma community has begun developing eco-lodges around the restoration site, creating sustainable tourism and employment opportunities.
• Biodiversity return: Bird watchers have recorded 19 returning species, signalling rapid ecosystem regeneration, supported by the mangroves and other trees planted.
• Wetland restoration: CAPED has successfully restored 25 hectares of degraded wetlands, transforming damaged land into thriving habitat.

Acknowledging the Partnership Mr Chris Ayling, Managing Director of The Gambia Experience, said: 

“We are incredibly proud to see the tangible results that CAPED is delivering. Our long-standing partnership demonstrates how responsible tourism can play a meaningful role in protecting fragile ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of the communities who depend on them.”

This recognition follows The Gambia Experience's previous support of CAPED's tree-planting initiatives in Sintet, where more than 7,000 endangered indigenous fruit and nut trees were planted. The tour operator also funds projects through its Community Development Fund, supporting solar power installations and women's training initiatives across Gambian villages.  

The Certificates of Appreciation highlight the shared commitment between CAPED Gambia and The Gambia Experience to conservation, community empowerment, and responsible tourism.

 ENDS 

For more information please contact: press-office@serenityholidays.co.uk 

CAPED Gambia is a grass roots non-profit organisation, based in rural Gambia with a focus on Agriculture, Health Care, Education, 

The Gambia Experience is a trade name of Serenity Holidays, an independent and fully bonded tour operator under ATOL 1866 and a member of ABTOT 5216, ABTA, and AITO. The company is the UK's leading specialist to The Gambia offering wide-ranging holidays, wildlife, and cultural experiences. www.gambia.co.uk .