Gunjur, The Gambia - In a powerful collaborative effort, the Gunjur Youth Movement, in partnership with the Brikama Area Council and the National Environment Agency (NEA), has formulated an ambitious coconut planting project aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and combating coastal erosion in Gunjur. This initiative not only enhances the region's biodiversity but also actively involves the community in environmental conservation efforts as well as complementing the efforts of Gunjur Youth Movement’s Phase 1 Coconut Project at Gunjur beach which aims to green-up the coastal areas of Gunjur.
The team conducted a significant tree planting exercise dubbed “Summer Go Green Tree Planting” at Gunjur beach on Saturday, 24th August 2024 where over two hundred coconut samplings were successfully planted.
Musa Bojang, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Gunjur Youth Movement, highlighted the urgency of the initiative. During the launch, he emphasised the long-standing coconut planting project’s critical role in addressing the severe environmental issues facing the vulnerable coastline, particularly the ongoing problem of coastal erosion. This natural threat has had significant consequences for Gunjur, underscoring the importance of proactive environmental strategies.
Bojang’s passionate plea inspired local youth to take action, encouraging them to turn their words into deeds and protect their coastal community from the impacts of climate change. The initiative includes the strategic planting of coconut trees along the beach, a decision driven by the trees’ natural ability to stabilise soil and prevent further erosion. With their deep root systems, coconut trees help anchor the sand, reducing the erosion of soil and safeguarding the coastline from further degradation.
The focus on planting coconut trees along the shoreline represents a strategic approach to fortifying Gunjur’s coastal defenses. The effort is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the local environment. By nurturing these coconut trees, the Gunjur Youth Movement is laying the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable coastal ecosystem.
Honourable Hamadi Tamba, the head of the Health, Environment, and Natural Disaster Select Committee, as well as the Councilor of Sintet Ward, has been a strong supporter of this initiative.
Speaking to Gunjuronline, Tamba shared insights into the fruitful collaboration with the Gunjur Youth Movement, noting that the partnership stemmed from a previous coconut planting effort that has since borne visible results. A recent site visit at Phase 1 revealed the positive impacts of last year’s planting efforts, with the youth showing exceptional dedication in nurturing the trees.
The initiative has not only benefitted Gunjur but has also positively impacted neighboring communities such as Kartong, Sifoe, and other areas in the West Coast Region. The beauty and progress of the coconut trees have attracted visitors to the beaches, demonstrating the project’s success in enhancing the local environment and boosting community pride.
As the initiative continues to grow, plans have been developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coconut trees. Mr. Tamba announced plans for further partnership with the Gunjur Youth Movement to address ongoing challenges, such as providing a reliable water source for the trees. While funding remains a challenge, efforts are underway to install a borehole for consistent water access. Although the council may not be able to finance the entire project, Tamba remains committed to ensuring that support from other sources will supplement their efforts.
Additionally, local authorities, including the Village Development Committee (VDC) and the Ward Councilor of Gunjur, are taking proactive steps to appoint individuals responsible for securing and maintaining the coconut trees. This comprehensive strategy will help protect the trees from harm and ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
Also present at the coconut planting exercise was the Executive Director of GEPADG Mr Badara N. Bajo, Gunjur Ward Councillor Hon. Momodou Charreh Gibba, Environmental activist and conservationist Ahmed Manjang and others who all took active part in the planting exercise.
In a statement following the successful completion of the Saturday planting exercise, Founder and Chairman of Gunjur Youth Movement “GYM” Sulayman Bojang said:
“ This campaign was designed to serve the people of our country by disseminating the message regarding the importance of planting trees in the easiest way through the concerned environmental groups in our various coastal communities.
The basic aim and objectives of this coastal project were to protect coastal erosion, mitigate climate effects and provide quality industries for tourism with a healthy and happy environment with fresh clean air free from pollutants along the coastline. This is are the reasons why this campaign was helpful for the people of our coastal communities and the Gambia at large.
The purpose of this year summer go green campaign was to educate young volunteers i.e: school children to play their roles in developing a better society through plantation activities. Children are considered as a future of this nation therefore the campaign aimed to target school going students to develop environment saving skills into them and involve them in beneficial activities.
This campaign was important to create awareness among the general public about the rising temperatures of global warming, coastal erosion, and the drawbacks of cutting down trees and restoring our forests. All these factors contributed towards encouragement for planting trees, understanding their benefits and considering them an important element of our society.”
Mr Bojang concluded by expressing gratitude to all the partners and stakeholders who made the event a success.
He said:
“ We once again thank all our sister organizations, the volunteers, our Honorable Councilor for Gunjur Ward, Momodou Charreh Gibba, Honourable PS for Environment, Executive members from the National Environment Agency, Executive members from BAC, the Media platforms, our donors and those who contribute physically on the ground to make this event a successful one today.”
The Gunjur Youth Movement’s efforts, in collaboration with the Brikama Area Council and the NEA, are setting a new standard for environmental conservation and community-driven action in The Gambia. Through their work, the community of Gunjur is not only addressing the immediate threats posed by climate change but also fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
With continued support and dedication, this initiative will serve as a model for other coastal communities seeking to protect their natural resources while promoting economic and environmental sustainability. The planting of coconut trees at Gunjur beach marks the beginning of a larger movement towards a greener and more resilient future for the West Coast Region.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by contacting us at:
Share your views on this article in the comments below.
Komen