Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, Commissioner of Conservation at the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), has been celebrated as a driving force behind forest and wildlife management reforms in Africa, following the completion of his term as Chairperson of the African Forest and Wildlife Commission (AFWC).
The recognition took place during the 25th session of the African Forest and Wildlife Commission (AFWC25) and the 9th African Forest and Wildlife Week (AFWW9), held from December 1–5, 2025, in Banjul, Gambia.
The event brought together over 200 delegates from across Africa. Prof. Silayo was lauded for “leading the continent through a transformative period and establishing a strong foundation for regional cooperation that safeguards the future of forests and wildlife.”
Closing the conference, Gambia’s Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Rohey Manjang, said the resolutions reached mark a significant step in shaping Africa’s conservation agenda.
She highlighted that the Gambian government has already increased its 2026 budget to support forest restoration, conservation, and protection of sensitive ecosystems.
“The work does not end here; it is only beginning. Africa must take ownership of the conservation agenda as a united continent,” Minister Manjang said.
Over the five-day discussions, delegates explored innovations in forest monitoring, community-inclusive management systems, women and youth participation, access to green financing, and the role of forests in community economies and climate change mitigation.
AFWC Secretary Edward Kilawe urged member states to implement the Banjul resolutions, emphasizing that working in isolation is no longer an option.
“Africa has the capacity and resources to protect its forests and wildlife through innovation and close collaboration,” he said.
He highlighted sustainable honey harvesting, mangrove protection, and restoration of degraded lands as examples of national initiatives that could be scaled continent-wide.
The incoming AFWC Chair, Ebrima Jawara, also Secretary-General of Gambia’s Ministry of Environment, pledged that the next two-year agenda would focus on innovation, citizen engagement, and policy strengthening.
“Innovation is no longer optional it is essential. Progress cannot happen without active community participation,” he said.
Delegates praised FAO and the Gambian government for excellent conference preparations, interpretation services, and field visits to mangrove forests, traditional medicine sites, and bee-keeping projects that showcased the success of participatory conservation.
Minister Manjang concluded the conference by wishing delegates a safe journey and urging prompt implementation of the resolutions:“Africa is one. The implementation of these resolutions will confirm that unity.”