 Civil Society is understood to encompass all associations formal and informal that are outside the state and the private market sector. They are associations, not formally linked to the government, whose primary aim is social.  Plays a key role in transmitting information and is critical to increasing individual and population responses to climate change

 Civil Society influences policy on three main levels  Grassroots  National  International  Is a key tool in transmitting information across sectors and to multiple groups and coordination with each level should be tailored to meet specific agendas and focuses

 A British based International NGO working in 8 countries across sub- Saharan Africa  Key organizational strength in working with civil society and capacity building of local organizations  Supporting national organizations in environment mainstreaming through ‘climate change capacity building’

 CU is involved in many different forms of civil society : › Member of TANGO, CONGAD, ASSET › Gambia Social Forum › Multiple farmer networks, agricultural training Organizations › Environment learning and sharing groups  Linkages with Governments and National Committees help get information to grassroots level

International  National National  Local REDDUNFCCC“Environment” Bio-diversityCBD “Species “Species” Food Security WSFS“Calories” + Human Rights, Health, Trade, Education,..... LOCAL REALITIES GLOBAL OBJECTIVES International Objectives vs. Local Realities

 Environment is a key contextual element in which we operate  Adverse impacts from environmental degradation negating progress of previous development projects – specifically the agricultural sector  Increased advocacy; CU is ideally placed to generate information within civil society and at national and international levels

 Need continues for sensitization on attitudinal and habitual changes and increased uptake of alternative technologies and methods  Activities/ Information Dissemination often limited due to lack of funding  Better coordination of activities throughout civil society to avoid different info being promoted in communities

 CU continues to strengthen its good relationships and collaboration with the Gambia Government, institutions, national organizations and local actors.  ⇧ knowledge on climate change adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms in projects, communities, individuals and CBOs  Integrated approach to environment through project design

 Increasing advocacy and awareness, continued partnering with national actors  Scaling –up Carbon Crediting schemes used as additional community based mechanisms for development funding  Increase mainstreaming and environment strategies within partner organizations. Disseminate Environment Integration Frameworks

  Thank You