‘Making Gambia green not only the responsibility of foresters’

Jalamang Darboe, a forestry officer at the administrative circle for Jarumeh Koto forestry station in Central River Region North, has said that making Gambia green is not only the responsibility of the forestry department but also of the people through collective efforts.

Darboe made these remarks at the conclusion of a daylong tree planting exercise at Lamin Koto Military Barracks in CRR north.

According to him, the exercise is part of a nationwide tree planting exercise in schools and now barracks.

It was a successful exercise as all expected parties participated in the exercise, he said, pointing out that his department is supporting the activities of tree nursery in 9 schools within the administrative circle of Jarumeh Koto cluster.

He revealed that the trees planted are fruit trees, which include mango, cashew, cassiamemia and others.

He commended the military personnel and 4H The Gambia (a local NGO) for their cooperation and participation in the exercise.

The forestry official urged them to continue the spirit of cooperation as partners in development. Mr Darboe implored the beneficiaries to take good care of the newly transplanted trees for them to reach maturity and bear fruits.

For his part, Second Lt Alieu Joof, officer commanding FCOY Lamin Koto Military Barracks, spoke at length on the importance of the exercise.

He noted that the protection of the environment is a collective responsibility. “As military officers we are also obliged to ensure the environment is green.”

He added that The Gambia is endowed with enough arable land that can be utilised to minimise importation of certain foods and secure household food security.

“Eat what we grow and grow what we eat” were the words of the military commander, while assuring the forestry officer that they would take good care of the transplanted trees to ensure they serve their purpose in future.

Musa Chow, chairman of Jarumeh Koto 4H branch, hailed forestry and military officers for spearheading the activity and promised the support of 4H at any time they are needed.

He revealed that 4H Gambia is an NGO aimed at curbing rural urban drift while also operating in NBR and CRR.