Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-04-15 08:15:06
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, recently addressed lawmakers about the implementation of a participatory forest management scheme. This scheme aims to empower communities to take ownership of forests in order to prevent bushfires and other forest-related disasters. By involving the community in forest management, there is a greater sense of responsibility and protection towards the forests, resulting in reduced incidents of bushfires in community forests.
Manjang emphasized the importance of community ownership of forests, stating that when people feel a sense of ownership, they are more inclined to manage and protect the forests effectively. She urged all communities with idle forests to take ownership and manage them at a local level to ensure sustainable forest management practices. Additionally, she highlighted the government’s efforts to complement forestry projects that aim to resource the forests adequately.
Despite budget constraints, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources is committed to providing efficient, sufficient, and sustainable management of forest cover. Manjang acknowledged the challenges in employing more forestry officers to protect the forests, as forest protection interventions consume a significant portion of the ministry’s budget.
Regarding the ban on timber exportation, Manjang confirmed that the ban, implemented in July 2022, is still in force. The Department of Forestry has not issued any licenses for timber exportation since the ban was put in place. She clarified that the ban only applies to the exportation of timber and does not restrict the importation of non-threatened timber species or local timber consumption.
Despite the ban on timber exportation, the government continues to encourage sustainable forestry practices and community involvement in forest management. The Minister emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the ban and highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of forests in the country.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to sustainable forest management, community involvement, and the protection of forests is evident through various initiatives and projects. By empowering communities to take ownership of forests and implementing effective forest management practices, the Ministry aims to reduce the incidence of bushfires and other forest-related disasters while promoting the long-term sustainability of forest resources.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
