Speaking shortly after the tree planting exercise in Karantaba village, Muhammed Jaiteh, forestry expert of ADWAC, said tree planting is significant in protecting and preserving the country’s flora and fauna.
He hails Karantaba Youth Development Association for their commitment to food security, combating desertification and sustainable livelihood development.
Mr Jaiteh said ADWAC has supported the youth association in capacity development on seedling propagation, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship to enhance income and self-reliance.
Kawsu Fadera, president of KYDA, applauded ADWAC for continuously supporting environmental protection and income generation.
He said the association aims at empowering youth to take lead in agriculture, environment and income generation activities to improve lives and livelihood.
The KYDA president said that since its establishment in October 2012, the association has supported Karantaba Lower Basic School with learning materials, Bakang health facility with healthcare materials worth D10,000 to improve health and annual cultivation of sesame to enhance food security.
Alasan Fadera, KYDA farm manager, also applauded ADWAC and GEF for supporting the regeneration of trees, and assured all of the youth association’s commitment to the protection of planted trees.
Fanta Sonko, first vice president of KYDA, said their partnership with ADWAC has increased the association’s seedling propagation and led to provision of fencing facility and planting of 2,500 saplings to protect and preserve the environment.
Ms Sonko said the association would continue to partner with organisations to accelerate national development objectives.
Similarly, the North Bank Regional Chapter of Operation No Backway to Europe on Friday planted at least 1,400 saplings on their land in Saaba village.
Speaking on the occasion, Lamin S. Jawara Junior, secretary general of Operation No Back Way to Europe – North Bank Regional Chapter – said the association is committed to food security, environmental protection and sustainable livelihood.
He said: “The planting exercise was designed to support the government drive of protecting and restoring the forest cover.”
He thanked ADWAC and GEF for partnering to support and empower the youth association in tree planting exercise to bring about sustainable livelihood.
Kebba Ceesay of ADWAC said the trees when protected can serve for medicinal purpose, fuel wood and fodder for livestock.
He called on the community of Saaba and Operation No Back Way to Europe to be proactive in the protection of the planted trees.
Foday Gassama of Saaba VDC expressed satisfaction over the high turnout of the youth on the exercise, saying it is a demonstration of youth’s commitment to restoration and regeneration of forest species.
He praised Karantaba Youth Development Association of Jokadou for their participation on tree planting exercise to building solidarity with ONBE.
Sheriffo Mboge, chairperson of NBR Regional Youth Committee lauded ONBE and Karantaba Youth Development Association for their steadfastness in taking the lead in environmental protection and food security.
