The
Regional Forestry Office in Kerewan on Sunday organised a two-day convergence
for forest users and local authorities on Joint Forest Park Management in
Kumadi and Kasaywa Forest parks in Jokadou and Upper Nuimi, North Bank Region.
The
two-day synergy took place in Kerr Jarga Jobe in the North Bank Region.
The
joint forest management was held to contribute to the conservation and
improvement of forest resources through sustainable management of its resources.
The
two-day convergence was funded by the National Forest Fund (NFF) at the
department of forestry.
Speaking
on the occasion, Ebou Janha, Regional Forestry Officer, thanked district
authorities of Jokadou and Upper Nuimi for their “invaluable support” to the
department of forestry in protecting and preserving the lost forest cover.
He
noted that the Joint Forest Park Management concept was developed in
consultation with village representatives and other stakeholders through
utilizing the forest park in Central River Region in 1999 by the then Gambia
German Forestry Programme (GGFP).
Under
the joint forest management, he explained, the programme aimed at preserving
304ha of Kumadi Forest Park in Jokadou and 155.7ha of Kasaya Forest Park in
Upper Nuimi.
The
initiative would contribute to ensuring they are protected from bushfire,
encroachment and other illegal activities.
The
NBR Regional Forestry Officer lauded the department for the foresight, saying
it is the first of its kind to be implemented in the region.
He
hailed the people of Jokadou and Upper Nuimi for their steadfastness in
supporting the department of forestry in the protection and preservation of
forest resources.
Chief
Momodou Chatty Cham of Upper Nuimi commended the department of forestry for the
initiatives of empowering communities to take control of the management of the
forest.
He
said the joint forest park management would contribute to the maximum
management of forest resources to bring about sustainable livelihood and
development.
The
Upper Nuimi chief praised the government for the maintenance of peace and
security, saying peace and security is the bedrock of national development.
Momodou
B.K. Ceesay, Regional Disaster Management coordinator, said the initiative was
in conformity with the framework of disaster risk reduction, noting that forest
contributes to the attainment of food security as well as enhances people’s
livelihood.
He
called on the beneficiary communities to be vigilant in the upkeep of the
forest.
Forest
park management has to be more orientated towards activities involving the
forest adjacent dwellers and other stakeholders in management of natural
resources so they are protected and sustainably managed for long time.
