The Ministry of Forestry and the Environment in collaboration with the Forestry Department Tuesday held a day's meeting with forestry stakeholders in preparation for President Jammeh's annual National One Million Tree Planting Initiative.

The meeting, which took place at the Baobab Holiday Resort in Bijilo, also accorded stakeholders the opportunity to discuss how to make the country's forestry sector sustainable. In his opening statement, Jatto Sillah, the minister of Forestry and the Environment recalled that it was in 2004 that President Jammeh declared the National One Million Tree Planting Initiative, which he said is an attempt to protect The Gambia's forests. However, he observed that the current pressure on the country's forests is increasing as population also increases. "The system is therefore collapsing due to tree felling, bush fires and human activities," he said.

He then pointed out that since the forest serves as an important power source for The Gambia, it is incumbent upon everyone to protect it.Abdoulie Sanneh, the director of Forestry urged the stakeholders to ensure a fruitful discussion, as whatever is agreed at the meeting will be geared towards supporting The Gambia's forestry sector. He told participants particularly those dealing in timber that they must now endeavour to actively engage in planting trees. "Think of replanting than re-exporting," he urged.