The challenges of climate migration and community resilience are highly relevant in The Gambia, particularly in a coastal community like Jinack Island. An island in the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean that has recently been a spotlight for smuggling of migrant to Europe through the “Backway” (irregular migration to Europe). This academic paper will put the participatory planning model into context and assess its effectiveness in strengthening communities to adopt a responsive approach to climate-induced relocation through a structured, co-designed model. Using Jinack as a case study, research, integrate participatory mapping, storytelling, and design charrettes to engage both migrants and would be migrants. Findings reveal that participatory processes not only enhance adaptation strategies but also mitigate tensions surrounding identity, belonging, and resource allocation (Adger et al., 2013). In this context, the participatory co-design model proposed in this study offers a practical and inclusive framework for addressing both climate and migration challenges. By incorporating participatory mapping, the community of Jinack can identify environmental risks such as erosion hotspots while also mapping migration routes and vulnerabilities. Ultimately, integrating participatory co-design into The Gambia’s response framework can help policymakers to address irregular migration not only as a human security issue but also as a development and climate adaptation challenge. By prioritizing community engagement, local knowledge, and inclusive governance, this approach enhances resilience and offers sustainable alternatives to risky irregular migration pathways. Keywords: climate migration, participatory planning, community resilience, adaptation
