The Kombo Foni Forest Association on Tuesday awarded Hon Jatto Sillah, the Minister of Forestry and Environment with a certificate of recognition, at a ceremony held at his office.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Saikou Janko, the President of the association, who handed over the certificate to the minister, said his association is non-profit-making, and was in 1998 established to promote community forest management in the country.
According to him, it was last year when the association thought it necessary to award their collaborators, be it institutions, or individuals who have been working with the association for the development of our environment.
He revealed that this year alone, the association had awarded hundred people and institutions, including the President of the Republic, FAO representative and American Ambassador to The Gambia.
The award, he added, is in recognition of their important role in the conservation of forest management.
Janko stated that the reason for awarding Minister Sillah is that since after the establishment of the association, he has been very supportive to the association.
"This is a special award to the Minister because he has been very cooperative and supports the association," he said, adding that the association also recognises his hardwork, commitment and dedication to the development of the country.
For his part, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, Lamin Nyabally, expressed gratitude to the association for the award.
He underscored the important role Kombo Foni forest association played in the development of the country.
He also urged them to work closely with the community for the development of the forest.
Receiving the award, Forestry and Environment Minister Jatto Sillah thanked the Almighty God for what he described as a welcome development.
He also commended the association for recognising him, noting that he will continue to give them all the necessary support.
He urged the association to continue their good work for the development of the country and challenged them to take ownership of the forest.