By Binta Jaiteh
During a recent community engagement event in BadibouKerewan organized by Action Aid International The Gambia, Governor Lamin Saidykhan of the North Bank Region challenged the Department of Forestry to tackle the rampant issue of charcoal burning in the country.
Governor Saidykhan expressed concerns over extensive deforestation, particularly in the North Bank Region, and emphasized urgency in addressing the destructive practice of charcoal burning.
He urged the forestry office to collaborate with local communities to raise awareness and implement stringent regulations to deter individuals from felling trees for charcoal production.
The North Bank Governor underscored the detrimental impact of charcoal burning on the environment and stressed the importance of adopting sustainable measures.
He raised concern over the visible presence of charcoal bags along highways and called for thorough investigations to trace the origins of the charcoal, proposing strict enforcement measures to hold accountable those involved in illegal tree-cutting activities.
“In terms of deforestation, my region is the worst. The Forestry office must work with local communities to sensitize and put a stop to charcoal burning. They should place strict rules to discourage people from cutting down trees for charcoal,” said Governor Saidykhan.
He tasked the regional forestry offices to take decisive action, including seizing charcoal bags being sold on the roadside and apprehending perpetrators for legal prosecution. He went on to encourage residents of North Bank to remain vigilant and report instances of illegal tree-cutting in their communities.
Yaya Ndour, a concerned citizen, agreed with the Governor’s sentiments, by expressing deep unease over the proliferation of charcoal burning and its adverse impact on the country’s ecosystem. He called for a unified effort from the forestry department, local communities, and village authorities to combat the growing menace.
“Charcoal burning is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. A lot of trees are being cut down for charcoal burning purposes, and that is not encouraging for a small country like Gambia,” Ndour maintained.
Responding to the escalating challenges posed by charcoal burning, the regional forestry officer in the North Bank Region, Ebrima Sanneh, acknowledged the department’s proactive efforts and commitment to address the issue of charcoal burning. Sanneh highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, foster community partnerships, and promote sustainable alternatives to charcoal production.
“While there are laws in place to control charcoal burning, implementation remains a challenge due to resource constraints and inadequate staffing in some cases,” stated Ebrima Sanneh. “We are actively working to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in these areas.”