Bakoteh Proper, Old Jeshwang wins Tree Nursery Competition

Bakoteh Proper and Old Jeshwang Lower Basic Schools last Wednesday emerged winners of the Gambia All Schools Tree Nursery Competition, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, National Environment Agency, Ministry of Forestry, Standard Chartered Bank and Peace Corps.

Speaking at the ceremony, Peace Crops Volunteer Chairperson, Sarata Jatta, said the competition began in the URR in 2003, and later expanded to WR, NBR, and then CRR.

According to her, the project aims to address environmental problems of The Gambia and schools to build tree nursery plantings.

She added that the planted seedlings can be used in reforestation project in schools, communities and the surrounding. The competition, she noted, provides the opportunity for the schools to engage in environment education, addressing concern such as deforestation and environmental stewardship.

She then harped on the importance of the competition, which he noted, teaches the essence of tree-planting to all strata of society.

He applauded the winners for their dedication and commitment, while urging them to continue taking part in tree-planting exercise.

For her part, a representative from Standard Charted Bank, Bintou Saho Demba, said her bank is committed to protecting the environment and doing all in its capacity to prevent environmental damage.

She stated that "the bank's strategy on the environment in Africa is based on being here for good by reducing the environmental impact of the bank's own activities, responsible financing based on equator principles."

She revealed that in 2008, Standard Charted Bank planted 16,000 trees at the Kabafita Forest in Brikama. She also revealed that the bank, in partnership with the Department of Forestry also planted 30,000 trees.

According to her, the bank have110 staff involved in environmental awareness activities, such as tree-planting and clean-up campaign.