By: Annette A Camara
In its commitment to environmental sustainability, the City Link Ostend Banjul project Saturday conducted its annual tree planting exercise under the theme -Planting Trees to Save Banjul.
The event, regarded as the most successful tree planting and beach cleanup exercise in recent years, was held at the ABC Beach Banjul, where additional 1,000 trees were planted.
Launched in August 2020, the EU-funded greening component aims to enhance the beauty and environmental sustainability of Banjul. 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 Tanbiwetlands and Hamza Barracks, and engaging in coastal protection efforts.
To date, 4,500 coconut trees were planted through the project with plans to add 1,000 coconut trees alongside 1,000 other tree varieties such as Moringa, Silk Cotton, Baobab, and Casuarina.
The Coordinator of the City Link Ostend Banjul project,Ousman Jobe, highlighted the “significant” investment made in maintaining the coconut trees on the beach, emphasizing that the trees play a crucial role in preventing sea erosion and maintaining an environmentally-friendly beach.
He, therefore, called on all and sundry to commit to preserving the trees.
The National Assembly Member for Banjul North, ModouLamin Bah, said he was honored to witness the tree plantingexercise.
He acknowledged the substantial improvements in the beach area compared to 25 years ago.
NAM Bah thanked the Ostend City and the European Union for fully funding the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Tarik Kubach, public financial management officer of the European Union delegation to The Gambia, acknowledged the collaborative effort in planting and cleaning the beach.
He emphasized the significance of the greening component of the project and expressed his understanding of the successes and challenges faced during the project while affirming the EU’s dedication to supporting environmental activities.
The Deputy Mayor of Banjul, Aziz Dabakh Gaye, in an interview with this medium urged Banjulians to nurture the trees planted both in the inner city and along the beach.
He stressed their vital role in providing shade, reducing erosion, and enhancing the environment.
The deputy mayor emphasized the Banjul City Council’s commitment to preserving and expanding green spaces.
In a display of unity and green ambition, over 200 participants, including ward councilors, BCC senior management, NAMs, the Navy, State Guard, Fire and Rescue Services, and volunteers from Banjul, and others participated in this successful event. With the Greening Banjul initiative nearing 4,500 trees planted, the city is making significant strides in environmental sustainability.
