More trees planted in NBR

In commemorating the year of biodiversity, the department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM) in collaboration with Barinto Fish Farming, West African Birds Association and National Artisanal Fish Institute in North Bank Region over the weekend embarked on a massive tree planting exercise at the Niumi National Park.

The tree planting was supported by the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) project.

Speaking to The Point shortly after the exercise, Lamin Sanyang the park manager said that Niumi National Park is a biodiversity habitat for marine and coastal species. According to him, the tree planting exercise was the first of its kind since the establishment of the park in 1986.

He further revealed that the park has a size of 4,940 hectares, and there are farming activities taking place within the park.

The importance of the tree planting exercise cannot be overemphasize, hence it would  be a continuing exercise to ensure that in five years time 80 percent of the lost trees would be restored, he added.

He noted that in order to achieve this, all hands must be on deck to support, promote and protect the country's remaining natural resources. "We need these resources for our daily needs and, therefore, we have to utilize them wisely in order for their availability for our future generation," he emphasized.    

Mr. Sanyang added that it is our own human activities such as the use of chain saws, bad fishing practices and other forms of environmental malpractices which cause the disappearance of most of our flora and fauna.

He then called on all stakeholders, line departments and the communities at large to support and protect Niumi National Park for the betterment of all.

Ms. Nyilan Bobb a bird watcher said that there are 350 species of birds and other coastal and marine species within the park, but some are endangered because of human’s demand for food or bye products, for instance, for traditional purposes.

She added that their local NGO, NAFI, is closely working with the park management in ensuring that the remaining natural resources are conserved. She used the opportunity to appeal for more capacity building in the area of professional harvesting, preservation and conservation of marine and coastal resources.

Balla Touray the station officer in charge at Barra fire station revealed that biodiversity is life, and that as security personnel, they have a stake in anything that has to do with the protection of life and property. He assured the park management of their full support and cooperation as far as biodiversity is concern.

Alhagie Munir Nyan executive secretary of Barinto Fish Farming and Environmental Protection Group added his voice, calling for a collective effort in ensuring that the country's natural resources are protected.