Environment Ministry Launches Nationwide Tree Planting Initiative

By Isatou Jawara

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources ( MECCNAR) has recently launched a nationwide tree planting exercise with the aim to restoring degraded forest and agricultural landscapes with climate resilient plant species.The tree planting exercise is being spearheaded by Large Scale Eco System Based Adaptation (EbA) project which is being implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources.

The EbA is a six-year project funded through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), secured by United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The project aims to develop a climate resilient natural resource based economy and build the climate resilience for Gambian communities, and facilitate the development of a sustainable green economy.

The Ministry of Environment with funding from EbA project will start a nationwide tree planting exercise targeting 250 farmers at various communities nationwide.

While addressing the media at the launching ceremony, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Mbye Jabang, described the EbA project as a flagship climate change project for the Gambia, and that at policy level government has committed to making sure we have one million trees planted to tackle the effects of climate change.

According to the PS,on adaptation mechanism this will help improve and restore degraded lands into forest parks. "This exercise will help farmers get enough seedlings to plant more trees and the project will make sure enough water is available. It will enable us restore forest cover by the end of the tree planting exercise," he asserted.

Mr Jabang emphasising the fact that they will they will now transition from tree planting to tree growing, and therefore urged the public to plant a tree. He went on: "We have experts within the region to assist communities. We need to invest in our natural resources; if we have a rich natural resource based then we are secure".

Also speaking was the Project Manager of EbA. He said they have declared August as the month of nationwide tree planting exercise which is part of national efforts to initiate Green Gambia. "Our project is collaborating with community based organisations and farmers to provide them with tree species that can adapt to climate change; such as lime and baobab trees.Trees are very important to the environment and as feeds to livestock".

He went further: "The EbA project is trying to introduce the idea of every tree you plant have tree guards. Tree guards are types of plastic bags used as shelter trees to nurture trees in early stage. Enhancing communities to adopt tree planting as a culture is an investment within communities. It will take time to harness it. I urge every community forest parks to plant more trees and every Gambian to plant a tree".

Further on the importance of trees, the Project Manager said they provide shades and water to evaporate slowly for farming. He added: "Trees also contribute to boosting biodiversity as they become food source and natural habitat for wildlife".