By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Regional Forestry Office in Kerewan in collaboration with Dobo Joint Forest Park Management of Central Badibou Tuesday sown 5000 seeds of rhum palm along a perimeter fence of 524ha land area of 9.6km.
The move was aimed at introducing the community to diverse planting of different species of trees and mitigate effects of climate change.
Pierre R Colley, Regional Forestry Officer noted that department of Forestry attached great importance in empowerment of communities to take lead on the management and ownership forest. He cited Community Forest (CF) and Joint Forest Park Management (JFPM) to enhance effective management of natural resources. Colley praised Dobo Joint Forest Park Management Committee and beneficiary communities for their steadfastness and commitment towards promoting regeneration and protection of forest cover.
He disclosed that the forest has been protected against bushfire for ten (10) years and it was only in last year that part of the forest was burnt; but the fire was quickly put off by communities.
Commenting on sowing of 5000 Barassus Atheptium or rhum palm seed, the seasoned forest expert says it aims at introducing new tree species that are highly drought tolerant and also contribute to reduce pressure on indigenous trees for roofing. He notes that the purpose of sowing along the perimeter fence is to serve as identification of the park to boost up visibility and avoid encroachment for any other purpose.
NBR Forest Officer thanked 4H Gambia a local NGO for the fencing of the park and other partners for planting of trees over the years. He uses the moment to call on the Community Forest and Joint Forest Park Management Committee to be vigilant in regeneration of forest species to boost up forest conservation.
Momodou Jallow Chairman of Dobo Joint Forest Park Management Committee underscored the commitment of eight beneficiary communities towards promotion regeneration of forest cover. He lauded the effort of Regional Forestry Office in Kerewan for their technical advice and coaching, noting that the sowing of first ever sowing of 5000 rhum palm seeds at the park was a clear testimony of empowering communities towards tree growing.
