The annual tree planting exercise held on the theme –‘Planting Trees to Save Banjul’, is an EU-funded project on the greening components aimed to enhancing the beauty and environmental sustainability of Banjul.
Launched in August 2020, the annual tree-planting activity since inception has saw the planting of 4,500 coconut trees, excluding the recently added 1,000 of different tree varieties such as Moringa, Silk Cotton, Baobab, and Casuarina.
The broader aim of the initiative, focuses on three major areas: planting flower trees within Banjul’s corridors; implementing mangrove restoration with over 15,000 mangroves planted at the Tanbi wetlands and Hamza Barracks and engaging in coastal protection efforts.
Ousman Jobe, Project coordinator, underscored the importance of trees in the environment and stated that trees play a crucial role in preventing sea erosion and maintaining an environmentally friendly beach.
He also stated the challenges they encounter after planting trees in the inner city of Banjul, saying most of the time animals roaming could destroy the plants, and when it was December the hunting societies also used to cut those plants for their activities.
“All that needs to be stopped. We should all be committed to preserving those plants”, the project coordinator said.
Tarik Kubach, speaking on behalf of the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, acknowledged the collaborative effort in planting and cleaning the beach.
He underscored the significance of this greening component of the project, while affirming the EU’s commitment to supporting environmental activities.
Aziz Dabakh Gaye, Deputy Mayor of Banjul, urged Banjulians to nurture the trees planted both in the inner city and along the beach.
He emphasised that the importance of trees in providing shade, reducing erosion and enhancing the environment.
Deputy mayor Gaye assured of Banjul City Council’s commitment to conserving and expanding green spaces.
Modou Lamin Bah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North, expressed appreciation for being part of the tree planting exercises, further acknowledging the substantial improvements in the beach area compared to 25 years ago.
The Banjul North lawmaker thanked the Ostend City and the European Union for funding the initiative.
