Climate change mitigation requires collective efforts-NGO

By Samsideen Ceesay The executive director of Beakanyang Kafo has said that mitigating the effects of climate change requires concerted efforts by all and sundry. Nfamara Jawneh was speaking recently in Nyakoi Kerewan in Wuli West District during a visit to a 2-hectar women woodland garden. According to him, the effects of climate change is felt all over the country and communities must actively participate in militating against climate change. “Another issue that we need to be mindful of it bushfires as its also becoming one of the environmental challenges confronting the country,” he said. He called for attitudinal change which according to him makes it difficult to control it. Mr Jawneh hailed the women of Kerewan for their commitment in preserving and protecting the environment over the years. “We are very much happy that just two years since the establishment of this woodland the community especially the women folk are taken proper care of the garden,” Jawneh remarked. He encouraged them to make fire belts around the woodland garden to prevent it from destruction against bushfires. “Uncontrolled bushfires are a cause for concern to us and I hope people will change their attitudes to stop setting the bush on fire either for their selfish interest or out of wickedness,” he said. Beakanyang boss stressed that the country has greatly suffers from the effects of bush fires and that its imperative that people put a stop to the practice. He also raised an eyebrow over indiscriminate cutting down of trees in the area especially Keno and bush mango thus leading to deforestation. “It is only through change of attitude and initiatives like yours we will be able to tackle the impact of climate change,” he noted. He stressed that women in The Gambia particularly in rural areas are very hard working and contribute significantly to food security, environmental protection amongst others. “I am very mush impressed with the work you doing and I encouraged you to keep up the momentum because the fight against climate change requires collective action.” remarked Mr Jawneh. The Beakanyang boss reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to support the community of Kerewan while praising Kerewan Beakanyang for being one of the most vibrant chapters of the Beakanyang network. For her part, Mrs Jaka Dibassy President of Kerewan Beakanyang Chapter applauded Beakanyang delegation for the visit. Mrs Dibbasy while thanking Beakanyang for supporting the establishment of the woodland used the opportunity to appeal for more support in the form of fencing wires and water in the garden. She assured them of heir continued determination in working closely with the NGO to bring more development to the community and to sustain the existing projects and programmes.]]>