By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Department of Parks and Wildlife Management DPWM in partnership with Wetlands International-Africa Dakar Office and with funding from the European Union through Nuimi and Jokadu National Parks has launched a five-month environmental project titled “enhancing teacher and student capacity on biodiversity conservative and Mangrove.”
The project on Tuesday presented 36 wheelbarrows, 36 spades, 36 rakes, 36 watering cans, 10,000 polypous, 10,000 seeds and garden forks of 11 different species, cutlasses and garden forks to ten schools within Jokadou and Nuimi National Parks.
The presentation was held at Regional Education Directorate in Kerewan North Bank Region.
Fabala Kinteh, Regional Park and Wildlife Officer for North Bank Region described the support as important in strengthening the capacity of school environmental clubs in promoting environmental protection through tree nursery management, planting, and promoting the restoration and protection of ecosystem and biodiversity.
He commended Wetland International Dakar Office and European Union for contributing immensely in promoting restoration and conservation practices, while he urged beneficiaries to be proactive in promoting environmental education and planting of trees to mitigate the effect of climate change.
Kinteh reiterated the commitment and support of the leadership of the Department of Parks and Wildlife in the protection of protected areas and restoration of the wetland through mangroves.
Saloum Kinteh, Principal Education Officer at Education Directorate Region 3, highlighted the support the project provides to teacher coordinators on environmental awareness such as the restoration of mangroves and its impacts on the ecosystem and biodiversity.
He noted that the presentation of materials demonstrated Wetland International Dakar Office with funding from the European Union’s commitment to working with schools within Jokadou and Nuimi National Parks.
PEO Kinteh reiterated that his office will work with school authorities to ensure proper utilization of donated materials and ensure tree nurseries are prepared and encourage schools to plant more trees around the environment.
Sarjo Manneh, Manager of Nuimi National Park calls for the active participation of schools in the implementation of the pilot project. He said there are plans to carry out the exchange of schools from open woodland to well-managed forest.
Faraba Joof, Education Directorate said the support would strengthen the school feeding garden and calls for proper upkeep and coaching of students to enhance environmental protection.
Kawsu Fatty, Kerewan Upper and Senior Secondary Schools on behalf of the teacher coordinators commended the Department of Parks and Wildlife and EU for working with schools in preserving and protecting the environment.
Lamin M Gasama, Tambana Basic Cycle School described the partnership with Wetlands International-Africa Dakar Office as crucial in harnessing students’ understanding of the restoration of mangroves and its benefits to the environment. He said schools have developed a plan to ensure proper management of tree nurseries.
