A
Gambian based in Germany, Tunko Anusumana Saidy, accompanied by his friend, Lamin
Fofana, senior communication manager at GAMCEL recently visited the Nah-Buteh
Mahogany Park reserve in Gunjur-Berrending, in Kombo South district of the West
Coast Region.
The
purpose of the visit was to assess the forest park with the possibility of embarking
on a massive tree planting of different types of trees in the forest to attract
tourist among others.
The
park established since 2006, is home to 40 mahogany trees with an area of about
1500 m.
Speaking
to journalists at the forest site, Mr Saidy explained that his association
“Nah-Buteh” was founded in October 2015 as a non-profit association based in
Dusseldorf.
“We
support projects and measures at the Nah-Buteh Mahogany Park in The Gambia,” he
said.
He
said the objective is to protect the flora and fauna, and the sustainable use
of natural resources in the environment.
In The Gambia, landscape of flora and fauna
are greatly threatened by urbanisation and exploitation of nature, he added.
He
posited that the young population do not recognise the importance of a sound
environment and the natural resources as well as the development potential of
the country.
They do not see any potential in their home
country and have the desire to leave the country, Mr Saidy further stated.
“In Nah-Buteh-Mahogany Park, you can
experience the beauty and the potential of the natural resources of The Gambia.
We show that the country has prospects and a basis for life,” he stated.
Environmental
education projects are designed to demonstrate a modern and sustainable use of
natural resources, he emphasised.
“We
have set ourselves the goal of protecting and conserving the natural flora and
fauna of The Gambia,” he opined.
He
also cited that there was always the need to prevent the trees being cut down,
and encouraged more replacement and awareness of the culture with the forest
and the environment of The Gambia.
He
spoke about the danger or the trend in which the forest is losing in the
environment.
According
to Mr Saidy, there are many development partners or friends that want to come
and give support to the park, stressing that the plan is to develop the forest
park to a higher standard to better attract tourists and help Gambian youths to
benefit from it.
He
also spoke about his association’s firm commitment to the restoration of the
forest, adding that since 2006, they have planted more trees in the park.
He
commended Lamin Fofana for creating the partnership between him and the forest
manager in order for him to plan more trees in the forest park.
Also
speaking, Lamin Fofana, expressed appreciation with the level of commitment of
Mr Saidy in ensuring that he gave back to society via the forest restoration
through planting more trees.
He hailed Mr Saidy for taking up the bold
initiative and called for more support from the Ministry of Environment.
