ASSET Embarks On Massive Tree-Planting Exercise

As part of its activities, and also in line with President Jammeh's call for every Gambian to plant a tree, the Association of Small Scale Enterprise in Tourism (ASSET), Parks and Wildlife Department, in collaboration with Society of Gambian Sculptures on Saturday 15th August 2009, embarked on a massive tree-planting exercise at the Abuko Nature Reserve.

The exercise, which drew participants from various institutions, was organised by the Asset Climate Care Committee, with funding from Plymouth Banjul Challenge.

Speaking at the exercise, Mr. Modou Lamin Kinteh, the Chairman of Asset Climate Care Committee, said that the purpose of the exercise was to donate some indigenous seedlings to Abuko Nature Reserve to enable them plant in their new extended area, which he said, Asset deemed it necessary to contribute as a matter of preservation.

According to Mr. Kinteh, Asset donated one thousand three hundred and fifty seven (1, 357) seedlings. He stated that this year, Asset took it upon themselves to plant only indigenous tree species.

Mr. Kinteh added that Asset also found it very rewarding to donate to Abuko Nature Reserve, due to the fact that it deals with wildlife, which has a lot to do with indigenous species.

He urged the management of the Parks and Wildlife Department to take great care of the trees, saying that the seedlings do not belong to Asset, but the Parks and Wildlife Department. He also urged other institutions to emulate them.

For his part, Mr. Badou Bobb, the Assistant Development Officer Asset stated that the exercise is an annual event that Asset Climate Care Committee is embarking on since last year.

According to him, Asset is doing mini-scale because of certain constraints, and that it would increase more tree-planting.

Mr. Sulayman Sow, the President of the Society of Gambian Sculptures expressed delight at the level of participation.