Kombo Foni Forestry Association (KOMFFORA) recently embarked on massive mangrove planting exercise in Foni, Western Coast Region, as part of efforts at protecting the environment and forest.
The exercise attracted the participation of important personalities such as chiefs, the chairman of Brikama Area Council, representatives from the Judiciary, the acting permanent secretary at the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, a representative from the WWF and officials of the parks and wildlife department.
The exercise started at Sutusunjang village in Foni, where 19,000 mangroves covering three hectares were planted.
Speaking on the occasion, the president of KOMFFORA, Saikou Janko, said: "The purpose of the exercise is to see how best our association will contribute its quota towards the improvement of the social and economic development of our country through restoring our forest cover."
Mr Janko said further that KOMFFORA is an independent, non-profit making organisation set up in 1998 to promote good forest management in communities of The Gambia.
"The association is dedicated to protecting the environment in ways that provide benefits to the communities that live around the forest," he said, thanking the WWF for their "unflinching support".
Speaking earlier, Kebba Sonko, acting permanent secretary at the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, said he was delighted at the initiative being carried out by KAMFFORA and their partners for ensuring their forest covers are protected.
Acting PS Sonko added that he was very impressed by the turnout of the people at the exercise, especially in Kalagi in the West Coast Region, where many government officials converged to participate in the exercise.
Mr Sonko called on both the private and public sectors to collaborate to protect the environment, and thanked the WWF for sponsoring the exercise.
Over 35 mangrove trees were also planted at the surrounding villages of Sutusunjang village in West Coast Region.
