By: Amie AP Ceesay
The National Environmental Agency (NEA) in collaboration with the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Civil Society Organizations, and government officials over the weekend planted nearly 5000 Coconut trees along the Coastline in West Coast Region (WCR).
The project “Coastline Greening” comprised the planting of coconut trees and mangroves from Senegambia to Kartong. The exercise was a wetland conservation ecosystem-based approach. As a result, the project in collaboration with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is operating along the coastline and government institutions in implementing the coconut planting activity.
Executive Director of the National Environmental Agency, Dr. Dawda Badgie, expressed gratitude to the Brikama Area Council for funding the project and their tremendous support in making the process a success from the importation stage to the growing stage through the leadership of the BAC Chairman Yankuba Darboe.
The executive director noted that Sanyang Ward for the past years has been seriously affected by the destruction of climate change and as a result, the Coconut trees will help in the mitigation of erosion and therefore advise the people in the community to endeavor in nurturing the growing of the Coconut Trees for the benefit of all especially does within the coastline.
Chairman of Brikama Area Council, Yankuba Darboe, said the moment marks a significant milestone in their collective journey towards a greener healthier, and more harmonious world. “Our planet’s delicate ecosystems are a treasure we must safeguard. In the days to come as we did today, we will dig into the soil, gently cradle young saplings in our lands, and place them into the earth. These simple acts will set into motion a cascade of positive effects.
“The trees we are growing will guide the air, purifying it for us and generations to follow. They will serve as heaven for diverse wildlife, preserving the web of life that sustains our planet,” he stated.
Chairman further stated that the day will determine the legacy they leave for tomorrow. By nurturing these trees, they sow the seeds of a greener future, and by nurturing these trees, they honor the intricate dance of life that takes place on this wondrous planet.
Boto Bojang, Councilor Sanyang Ward, also thanked the NEA and Brikama Area Council for the project, ensuring that it will contribute to Climate Change mitigation, and urged all the residents to grow and nurture the Coconut Trees.