By: Haruna Kuyateh
Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) with funding from Wetland International on Friday launched a two years project dubbed Integrated Sustainable Mangroves Ecosystem Restoration and Management in Nuimi and Jokadou National Parks.
The project is meant to restore, increase and protect mangrove forest cover by plantation, conservation, rehabilitation and regeneration of degraded mangrove forest in the Nuimi and Jokadou National Parks and establishment of Woodlots as a source of fuel wood.
The project worth D4million is expected to transform the lives and livelihood of people of the community. The launching was held at ADWAC premises in Kerewan, North Bank Region.
Pata Kanyi Project Manager on Integrated Sustainable Mangroves Ecosystem Restoration at ADWAC noted that the project would work on restoration of mangroves on 50ha land in Nuimi and Jokadou National Parks. He noted that the objective is to restore, increase and protect mangrove forest cover by plantation, conservation, rehabilitation and regeneration of degraded mangrove forest.
He stated that the project will provide two motor bikes to facilitate joint patrol team and support establishment of school environmental sponsorship and provide scholarship.
Sana Colley, representing the Governor of North Bank Region thanked ADWAC and Wetland International for the implementation of two years project on restoration of mangrove and tree planting. He noted that the project would address degradation and threatening well being of today youths and future generations.
Chief Alpha Mariam Khan of Jokadou assured of district authority fullest support and call on management of Nuimi and Jokadou National Parks and co management committees to be vigilant so that they can successfully implement the project.
He reassured them of the district authority fullest support as regarding the implementation of the project whilst called on beneficiaries to make best use of the project.
Malamin IL Bojang Chairman of Kerewan Area Council said the project would complement council efforts to improve lives and livelihood of communities.
Chairman Bojang asserted that contribution to restoration of mangroves would add more to food security and make a difference on wetland cover.
Fabala Kinteh, Regional Park and Wildlife Officer at Department of Parks and Wildlife for NBR said the protection of protected marine protected areas network are crucial to enhance the protection of the country ecosystems. He noted that working with site management committees aimed to ensure communities to take ownership.
Kinteh noted that the wetlands and it’s restoration called for holistic approach to restore lost forest cover.
Sarjo Manneh, Manager of Nuimi National Park delivered vote of thanks.
