The
Association for Food and Environment Security (AFES), a Community-Based
Organization of Jokadou Dasilami in the North Bank Region with support from
UNDP Small grant Global Environment Facility (GEF), has planted 70,000 saplings
of mangroves to restore lost vegetation cover, enhance breeding for seafood and
contribute to environmental management.
The
mangroves were planted along Jokadou Dasilami wetland to mitigate the effects
of climate change and stabilize soil and water erosion along the coastal and
marine line, provide spooning ground for fish, minimise salt intrusion and
enhance climate resilience building.
Ba
Ansu Fofana, Programme Coordinator of AFES, said the planting of mangroves was
part of a series of tree planting exercise for the year 2017, declaring the
annual tree planting activities are to mitigate the effects of climate change
and boost food security.
The planting exercise of indigenous trees aims
to target the community of Dasilami, Barianding, Karantaba, Bakang and Tambana,
with the view to empowering communities in the regeneration of loss forest
species.
He
assured of building partnerships with communities and development partners in
strengthening capacity development of life skill development in the areas of
environmental protection, conservation and preservation of forest resources.
He said training women would contribute to the
acquisition of life skills development with the ultimate objective of preparing
them for off farm activities on life skills development so as to mitigate the
effects of climate change.
Governor
Ebrima K.S. Dampha lauded AFES for the foresight in complementing the efforts
of government on the restoration of lost vegetation cover and the effort to
mitigate the effects of climate change and adaptation to resilience building.
He
said the launching of 2017 annual tree planting by Association for Food and
Environment Security at Jokadou Dasilami demonstrated their commitment to the
green revolution of the biodiversity and ecosystem.
Governor
Dampha challenged Community-Based Organizations to take centre stage in
advancing the development efforts of the region to bring about sustainable
development.
Aja
Ma Arohey Gassama, women leader of Dasilami, noted that the protection of the
wetland from destruction would address salinity and boost rice and vegetable
production.
She
called on the local authorities and herders to be vigilant in ensuring that
stray animals are controlled.
