By: Haruna Kuyateh
Kani Kunda Tenda and Social Development Association over the weekend held the 6th edition of its annual tree planting exercise at the community forest cover.
The tree planting exercise aimed at enhancing community involvement in addressing climate change threats and promoting a sustainable future with a focus on community participation in combating climate change threats.
Kani Kunda Tenda and Social Development Association also used the opportunity of the tree planting exercise to hold its annual convention to discuss progress and challenges with the stakeholders.
Chairman Papa Tunkara of Kerewan Area Council thanked the association for its foresight and also commended them for their commitment to forest restoration cover.
Master Momodou Nabang Alkalo of Kani Kunda Tenda of Sabach Sanjal thanked the government for the road network that stretches through the village, noting that it has improved the transportation of goods and services.
However, the community called on the government to extend the electricity supply in the community noting that the supply would strengthen fishing and other income-generation activities.
Momodou Cham gave a background of their initiative saying it started in 2015 with the objective of Green Community Pathway Initiative through tree planting and giving trees to individuals for planting..
He noted that the association valued street, solarization, and public awareness of environmental protection as part of mitigating the effect of climate change.
Jerreh Nyangado, Home Based Chairman of the association described the annual tree planting exercise as important, noting with satisfaction the high rate of survival trees. He said 450 sampling of trees were planted and thanked to the Department of Forestry Office at Kunjo and ML Jallow Eco Village Foundation and other stakeholders for the support.
Oumie Suwareh Assistant CEO of M L Jallow Eco Village Foundation and Bai Mbye Cham President of the Association described partnership with stakeholders as crucial in promoting sustainable development initiatives.
Alasana Badjie Forestry Administrative Circle Head at the Forestry Office and Awa Busso, NEA Regional Officer including Kumba Cham, a women leader said the move would strengthen community resilience in mitigating the effect of climate change.