According to the environment minister, since Lt. Colonel Salifu Corr took over the mantle of leadership at the Department, there have been fewer negative reports emanating from the department, regarding illegal logging and forest intruders among other negative activities.
The environment minister attributed this unprecedented achievement as testament of the commitment, hard-work and honesty of the director in the protection of our forest cover.
Addressing the graduates, director of the Department of Forestry, Lt. Colonel Salifu Corr, said the training was designed to equip young officers the with knowledge, discipline, and practical skills required to manage and protect forest and wildlife resources.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Rescoures Hon. Rohey Manjang and the Permanent Secretary Ebrima Jawara for their leadership and continuous support to the forestry sector.
Lt. Colonel Corr also hailed the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, the National School of Forestry and the Wildlife Conservation, the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation project, and the Central Project Coordinating Unit for their invaluable partnership in making the training a reality.
According to the director of forestry, the training programme was part of the Department’s broader effort to enhance institutional capacity and “ensure that our field staff are well-prepared to address the growing challenges facing the forest sector; from illegal logging and bushfires to climate change and include land degradation.”
“These graduates represent renewed hope for the sustainable management of our natural resources. Their presence across the country will strengthen enforcement, improve community engagement; promote reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts,” Corr stated.
“To you, our graduates, you have worked hard and sacrificed to reach this day. You are now ambassador of Department of Forestry and the Ministry of Environment. So carry out your duties with integrity, discipline, and professionalism.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Momodou Njie, principal, School of Forestry, said the National School of Forestry stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, knowledge, and national pride. “For 14 years, we have nurtured minds that now nurture forests of varying capacities and ecosystems thanks to the unwavering support of MECCNAR, Department of Forestry and Department of Parks and Wildlife Management.”
“Therefore, we must together continue to invest in education, innovation, and community engagement for the present and future generations.”
Giving the vote of thanks, the school’s head boy, Lamin Sillah, expressed deep gratitude.
He praised the lecturers of the school, saying: You were more than teachers; you were mentors, motivators, and field companions.”
“To our Families, you stood by us through sleepless nights and muddy boots. To MECCNAR and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, thank you for believing in Forestry Education. Your presence today affirms that our work is valued, our voices are heard, and future is supported.”
“As we step into the world, we carry not just certificates, but responsibilities. We pledge to serve our communities, protect our ecosystems, and honour the trust you’ve placed in us.”
