A weeklong anti-bush fire campaign organised by the Department of Forestry, in collaboration with the anti-bush fire taskforce is currently underway in the Western Region.
Speaking at various communities, Mr. Abdoulie Sanneh, the Director of Forestry buttressed the significance and benefits attached to the forest. He said keeping healthy forest cover is the attainment of all Gambians.
He noted that once this is attained, there will be enough rainfall which will lead to bumper harvest.
According to him, healthy forest cover will also help in the prevention of disaster, flood, erosion, among others.
He also added that keeping healthy forest would help in the mentainance of peace, as well as preservation of wildlife.
Mr Sanneh further stated that the anti-bush fire campaign would help enlighten the communities on the dangers of bush fire, illegal cutting of trees, and deforestation. He noted that it would also avail the communities to be on the alert and prepare to overcome such challenges.
Mr. Sanneh asserted that the participation of local communities in the sustainable management of the forest cover cannot be over-emphased as they have a major role to play in the socio-economic development of the forest cover.
For his part, the Governor of Western Region, Mr Lamin Sanneh underscored the need for proper environment management. He stated that "the campaign should be a joint work to ensure that our environment, property and animals are well protected."
Chief of Bondali, Bakary Badjie, who is the Chairman of the taskforce committee dilated on the importance of the campaign, describing it as a challenge. He however called on all to redouble their efforts in order to control bushfire and other crimes. He finally urged the village Alkalos to be very vigilant in issuing attestation to the public
