The Mama Tamba Youth Empowerment Association (MTYEA), in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility, launched a significant tree-planting initiative on Saturday. The project saw 40,000 indigenous trees planted across five communities in the North Bank Region’s Upper Badibou area—Jajaru, Illiasa, Jumanaar Ba, Jumanaar Koto, and Alkali Kunda. This effort aims to restore forest cover and engage local communities in environmental conservation.
The project, which spans 12 months, is implemented by MTYEA and funded by the UNDP Small Grant for Global Environment Facility. The initiative underscores a strong commitment to climate resilience and environmental protection.
Tamba Jammeh, CEO of Mama Tamba Youth Empowerment Association, expressed gratitude to the UNDP Small Grant Global Environment Facility Project. He emphasized the importance of environmental restoration in combating climate change, highlighting the need for collective action. Jammeh also mentioned that the project provided training for youths and women on tree nursery preparation and management, along with necessary materials such as poly bags and seeds.
Jammeh called for a united effort in forest cover restoration and praised the involvement of communities, Red Cross Volunteers, and the Department of Forestry. He urged local communities to take ownership of the newly planted trees and to promote tree growing as a sustainable practice.
Alhaji Demba Marong, the alkalo (village head) of Jajari, expressed his appreciation for the association’s efforts in empowering communities to restore forest cover. He pointed out that deforestation remains a significant concern for the region’s inhabitants.
Sohna Sanyang, representing CROPS Africa Volunteer in Illiasa, noted that the NGO, founded by a former Peace Corps volunteer in 2011, focuses on climate change, community mapping, and resource identification to support local development. She shared that CROPS Africa is partnering with Illiasa to rehabilitate community structures, transforming them into a multipurpose center equipped with a guest house, meeting hall, and storage facilities, all aimed at enhancing local livelihoods.
Nfamara Colley, a youth leader, and Bakary Jadama, a member of the Village Development Committee, also expressed their gratitude to the Mama Tamba Youth Empowerment Association for their vision in launching this important project.