Speaking at the site of the exercise, the Governor of Upper River Region, Omar Sompo Ceesay, emphasised the importance of tree planting, saying human beings could not live without trees.
He noted that trees and human beings are interdependent, and as such need each other to live healthily.
He therefore urged participants to protect the newly planted seedlings to ensure its maturity for it to serve the intended purpose and advised them to plant more trees in the rainy season.
Governor Ceesay thanked the staff of forestry and volunteers for the initiative and for their foresight in turning Gambia into greens and a special commendation goes to the community of Bakadagi for providing the trees stumps.
The Regional forestry officer in Upper River Region, Kebba Jammeh spoke at length about the importance of tree planting, saying one of the importance of tree planting exercise is that it has connection with rain falls including the environment and the life of the people and agriculture.
Mr Jammeh therefore urged everyone to plant a tree, while assuring them his office of continue support for providing not only the seedlings but also technical advice.
Chief of Jimara, Seyfo Foday Yusupha Jawara, Aja Neneh Darboe, the Lady Councilor for Fuladu East and Moro Nyaleng Kurubally Ward Councilor of the Area, all expressed similar sentiments and thanked the forestry regional office for providing the unflinching support to the communities in the area and assured the authorities that the newly planted trees would be protected by the communities and survive to mature.