Africa-Press – Gambia. Strengthening environmental protection and build resilience against the effects of climate change, the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM), in collaboration with the ROOTS Project under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has embarked on a massive tree planting exercise in the Baobolong Wetland. The planting exercise commenced 13th August 2025.
The community-led activity aimed to restore degraded lands, control salt intrusion into rice fields, and promote sustainable conservation practices the targeted cluster communities included Upper Badibou, Noo Kunda, Dia Mandinka, Conteh Kunda Sukoto, and Conteh NijiNorth Bank Region.
Regional Wildlife Officer, Fabala Kinteh and Abuko-based Wildlife Ranger, Ebrima Jonga stressed the importance of community involvement in protecting the newly planted trees. They urged residents to work closely with park rangers to curb illegal activities such as poaching and indiscriminate tree cutting.
“The planting of various tree species within the Baobolong Wetland is part of our zero-tolerance approach to the destruction of protected areas,” they said, highlighting that species such as eucalyptus would play a key role in controlling salinity, a major concern for rice farmers in the region.
Baobolong Park Manager, Lamin K. Njie commended the partnership between ROOTS and DPWM, noting that the intervention would significantly improve ecosystem management and restore forest cover.
He disclosed that the Baobolong Wetland spans 29,650 hectares, stretching from Jirom in Upper Badibou to Jammeh Kunda in Central Badibou, and is home to water birds, flamingos, and other wildlife species.
Njie emphasized the need for raising awareness among hunters and communities about the role of DPWM in protecting biodiversity. “We are committed to promoting regeneration, wildlife protection, and sustainable conservation practices,” he said.
Community leaders described the reforestation initiative as vital in mitigating climate change and safeguarding livelihoods.
Alkalo Lamin Marong of Dia Mandinka and Sarjo Dampha of Noo Kunda pledged their communities’ commitment to fight bushfires, regenerate indigenous trees, and prevent illegal exploitation of the wetland.
Village Development Committee Chairman, Konko Jammeh highlighted the importance of planting eucalyptus trees along the wetland to control salt intrusion. He also thanked residents for supporting communal initiatives, including road maintenance.
Women leader, Bintou Sonko commended the anti-bushfire campaign, stressing that deforestation disproportionately affects women’s livelihoods. She appealed to the Department of Agriculture to construct anti-salt dykes to further support rice farmers whose yields are threatened by rising salinity.
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