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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Local Communities to be empowered on Sustainable Forest management




Banjul, The Gambia (TNBES) The Director of Forestry, Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Abdoulie Sanneh has disclosed that plans are underway to empower the local community on sustainable management of our forests cover, as well as our natural resources.

He said that it will be done through a massive sensitization campaign when ever funds are available for his department. Director Sanneh made this remark in an interview with this paper recently at his office in Banjul, where he also outlined his plans which are to be implemented in the near future.

According to him, his department is planning to train and sensitize local authorities, such as the politician, laws enforcement agencies, and the regional and district heads on the issues regarding the protection and
conservation of the country forest cover and natural resource.

He said some of the key areas that they are going to advocate on, which is a case of concerned is bush-fires, illegal felling of trees as well as charcoal burning. The later, he said has been banned in The
Gambia since 1997.

According to Sanneh, the massive sensitization programme, which the Forestry department is about to kick-start, will give them the opportunity to inform the local communities about the Forest Policy Act which
is designed to regulate all matters affecting the forest.

He noted that these important areas need to be addressed in an in-depth manner for the benefit of the people whom his department is working for, so that the country can realise its natural resource.

He pointed out that it will bring on board local authorities to play a crucial role in the promotion and protection of forest conservation in the country and to increase the propagation of local trees species for local
herbal medicines.

Sanneh, who served in various regions as a regional forestry officer has also served at various units at the department of forestry since 1979. He earned himself a master’s degree in Agro-forestry in 2007. VOL:2
ISSN:80
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