Demand that the United States government (State Department) permanently halt plans to build a new embassy facility in the Gambia through the deforestation of the Bijilo Forest Park, commonly known as the Monkey Park, an immersive canopy forest. It has been an essential and historically protected reserve since 1951,  and was originally a forest inhabited by the monkey’s and other wildlife long before development came to the area. This deforestation will have devastating effects on the already endangered Western Red Colobus monkey (specifically Temmink's Red Colobus Monkey) whose population is severely fragmented and decreasing due to deforestation and poaching. A subspecies, P.b. Waldroni may already be extinct, as there have been no sightings since 1978. We cannot allow this to happen to the species as a whole. The embassy claims that it plans to relocate the monkey's to suitable environments, yet there is no evidence that the monkeys can be successfully relocated, and this would dangerously split up the already dwindling and endangered population. The US can easily relocate the new embassy to countless other developed areas in the Western region of the country, making it senseless and unnecessary to destroy such a precious environment. Being half Gambian and having been there myself many times, it is a magical and irreplaceable experience and a critically important sanctuary for both the people, wildlife, and the environment. 

It has already once been saved by protest and a petition in 2018 when part of the park was destroyed to create a conference center, and the entire park was in danger. We can do it again! 

Here are some other devastating impacts and reasons this plan cannot be allowed to move forward 

Wildlife

• In addition to the endangered Western Red Colobus Monkey, it is home to over 133 bird species and the Green Tailed Monkey among other animals. 
• It houses a variety of native trees and plant life that support the environment.

Environmental 

• This plan would increase atmospheric carbon and lower oxygen production by photosynthesizing organisms like trees due to deforestation.
• The loss of a cooling buffer in the town of Bijilo that protects from the African heat.

Socioeconomic: 

• A loss in revenue for the forestry department from park admissions needed for conservation. 
• The destruction of impoverished residents livelihoods in the wildlife conservation and tourism industries in one of the most densely populated areas in the Gambia. Tourism is not only the main source of income for many Gambians, but upholds the Gambian economy as a whole as well as wildlife conservation efforts. 
• The Park draws many tourists due to its monkey’s and plethora of bird populations, building this embassy would make it unattractive and inaccessible to tourists. 

Educational and Research Opportunities: 

• A loss in one of the few natural spaces available to be used for essential University Research.

Geopolitical: 

• Harms the United States’ credibility and reputation in foreign relations and global cohesion as the community is staunchly against this development
• Demonstrates imperialistic and corrupt actions as destruction of protected reserves is forbidden in the United States, and the US is paying the Gambian government to allow this wanton destruction. 

Recreational: 

• It is a beloved recreational activity for both native Gambians and tourists to relax and have the rare opportunity to experience nature and wildlife living freely in their habitat. It is worth noting that this is one of the only public nature reserves for 50% of the population. 
• Due to security needs of the US, if the embassy were to be built at that location, access to the beach would be significantly restricted. Sunday beach visits are the primary social recreational activity for most Gambians. If this is restricted, it will not only affect Gambian social practices, but mental health as well, and the ability to live and enjoy their own environment. 
• Gambian beaches also draw tourism which as stated previously is the main source of income for many residents 

Such activity would never even be considered let alone permitted within the United States due to the Environmental Protection Agency, therefore it is highly hypocritical, irresponsible, and dangerous to continue with these plans due to the destructive consequences to all areas of Gambian life. The United States should instead use its resources and funding to protect these wildlife sanctuaries rather than destroy them. 

Here are some ways to learn more: 

https://www.gunjuronline.com/post/dr-armstrong-writes-to-the-american-mission-in-banjul-about-proposed-embassy-at-monkey-park​

https://www.gambia.co.uk/blog/saving-bijilo-monkey-park-and-the-western-red-colobus-monkey

Who to Contact: 

The EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs(OITA): 

https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-international-and-tribal-affairs-oita#:~:text=EPA's%20Office%20of%20International%20and,public%20health%20and%20the%20environment

African Senior Advisor: 

Phone number: 202-564-6600

Email: hill-macon.cam@epa.gov

The United States Embassy Facebook Page: