Gambia validates report on sub-regional mgt and forest ecosystem

The Ministry of Forestry and Environment, with support from ECOWAS Commission, last Thursday validated a national report for the development of a sub-regional convergence plan for sustainable management and utilization of forest ecosystem in West Africa.

The validation exercise was part of efforts at mitigating the menace of climate change and land degradation.

It would be recalled that in June 2010, in Benin, ministers in charge of forestry and wildlife of ECOWAS member states adopted a document of forest dialogue in West Africa as well as the terms of reference for the preparation of the convergence plan for the sustainable management and utilization of forest ecosystem in the sub-region. 

The ministers’ action aimed at improving the politico-institutional environment and efficiency of the management of forest ecosystem and the resources of management programmes project.

The validation exercise this time around further sought to strengthen the community capacities related to the forest ecosystems and resources management and control.

Speaking after the exercise at the Baobab Holiday Resort, Samuel Medu, ECOWAS forestry expert, said justice had been done to the document as it had received thorough deliberations from the validation exercise.

He said ECOWAS is committed and continues to support the government, particularly on issues of forest ecosystem and resource management.

“What was witnessed was encouraging and we will use that as we go around in other regions,” Mr Medu said, adding that the document “will be popularised” within the region.

For his part, Kebba N. Sonko, deputy permanent secretary, highlighted the need for the protection of the forest.

He reiterated the ministry’s readiness in sharing the convergence plan whenever the need arises.

The support of ECOWAS and the FAO is quite timely, he said, adding that the idea was a right approach towards natural resources management.