By Haruna Kuyateh in NBR
 |
| NBR Participants |
The
governor for North Bank Region, Mr Lamin Queen Jammeh has challenged
journalists in Gambia to be proactive in the protection of the environment.
He
was speaking at a day-long capacity building training for journalists, forest
users and wood loggers in his region. This was organised by BAJ-Gambia, an
association of environmental journalists.
Yet,
Governor Jammeh, whose area is hit hardest by deforestation, believes that
environment journalism could do more.
”Building
public awareness on environmental issues is essential” he said. “As environmental
journalists, more is needed [from you] to bring about positive behaviourial
change to ensure that communities take ownership and contribute to the
regeneration forest species and natural habitat.
“Journalist
should forge partnership with the department of forestry and agriculture to
enable farmers to adopt agro-forestry practises to improve food security.”
Mr
Jammeh went on to speak at length on the significance of protecting and
preserving the forest cover and natural resources against exploitation. He
noted that government attaches great importance to the protection of the
country’s biodiversity as it enhances lives and livelihoods.
In
his speech, Mr. Abdou Rahman Sallah, said BAJ-Gambia is fully committed to
operate within the framework of decentralisation process, citing the
establishment of regional structures to enhance effective public awareness on
the natural resources.
The national
coordinator lauded Global Environment Facility, under the purview of UNDP, for
supporting his organisation to raise more public awareness on biodiversity to
bring about sustainable development.
Also
speaking, Papa Jassey, a representative of the Gambia Teachers Union of Kerewan
thanked BAJ Gambia for the initiative and assured of teachers’ full support to
the protection of environment and natural resources.
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