By: Haruna Kuyateh
The alkalo of Buniadou community, Lower Nuimi, North Bank Region has hailed Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) and Wetland International for planting of 50,000 mangroves along Buniadou wetland.
Alhaji Ansu Manneh was speaking on Saturday during a massive mangroves planting organised by ADWAC in Buniadou that the move would promote community participation in the restoration of mangroves.
Mam Samba Joof Executive Director of ADWAC noted that the project would contribute to address depleting mangrove, create fish breeding area and mitigate climate change.
He disclosed that establishment of community woodlots would contribute to provision of fuel wood.
Pata Kanyi Project Manager at ADWAC said the planting of mangroves is part of a two years project dubbed Integrated Sustainable Mangroves Ecosystem Restoration.
He therefore thanked the staff of Department of Parks and Wildlife and National Environment Agency for their participation in the planting exercise, noting that it demonstrated total commitment to the implementation of project.
LaminDrammeh NEA Regional Liaison Officer underscored the important of stakeholder participation and collaboration to the restoration of degraded mangroves area. The mangroves contribute to control of erosion, flooding and provide sanctuary for increase of seafood. He later called on resident of the community to protect mangrove from destruction.
Yankuba Trawally, Public Relation Officer of VDC noted that mangroves would be protected from exploitation. He thanked ADWAC for the support and reassured of their commitment.
Sainabou Manneh and Fatou Ceesay of Buniadou thanked ADWAC for the foresight and noting that the activity is the first of its kind to be undertaken at the river site. The women disclosed that destruction of mangroves had resulted to high cost of fish.
Musa Camara fisherman called for support to the fishing sector as regarding equipments and other necessary things that will enhance their work.
