Busura community sets up forest management plan

The community of Busura village, in collaboration with their village development committee and the department of forestry through the regional office in the West Coast Region over the weekend convened a daylong forum at Busura Lower Basic School ground to discuss a five-year strategic plan for the sustainability of forest management of their Badara Faye Forest Park.

In his welcome remarks, the Alkalo of Busura village, Alieu A. Faye, expressed delight at the forum which was geared towards helping them in the management of their forest park.

He said since the forest was now gazetted they would not compromise on its proper usage and sustainability in ensuring that the forest park is protected from all forms of exploitation.

He also dwelt on the need for collective effort from both the community and the department of forestry in the safeguarding of natural resources.

He assured the department of forestry that his community would do everything possible to implement the agreement that has emerged from the forum with the aim to protect the forest in the next five years and would endeavor to respect all the agreements.  

For his part, the Chairman of Brikama Area Council, Bakary Saibo Sanneh, hailed the community for the adoption of a community forest management plan for the next five years.

He said it was important now that communities are involved and are aware of the management of their natural resources and described forestry as one of the most important assets of any country.

He called on all the community of Busura to respect the five-year strategic plan for their forest management and support the management committee in ensuring that the forest is protected.

In his statement, the National Assembly Member for Brikama South, Hon. Laimin Sanneh, said the purpose of the gathering was to discuss the protection of the community forest (Badara Faye Forest Park).

He said there are lots of issues that are entailed in the forest bill, regarding the cutting of trees and production of charcoal in the country. 

He said for the community of Busura coming up with the strategic forest management plans was a welcome gesture and encouraged them to continue to work as a team for the interest of the country.