Comm Unit/MoECC
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has on the 14th June, 2025, launched the Tawuya Woodlots Project in the presence of different stakeholders in Tawuya Community, Gbinleh Chiefdom, Kambia District. This project is under the People’s Center and Sustainable Development Portfolio which is being supported by UNDP.
The aim is to protect and maintain the main forests from indiscriminate cutting of trees and support the woodlot project as an alternative to plant variety of trees for energy efficiency, clean cooking, charcoal production and timber.
Welcoming the delegation from the Ministry and other stakeholders, the Paramount Chief of Tawuya Community in Gbinleh Chiefdom, PC Alimamy Sorie on behalf of his Chiefdom appreciated the Ministry for considering his Chiefdom as beneficiary for this year’s woodlot establishment. He intimated that most of the trees planted by their forefathers within their communities have been destroyed. He acknowledged that the woodlot project is in line with SDG13, which deals with climate actions.
The PC expressed concerns on behalf of the Council of Paramount Chiefs to expedite payment for the rolled out of the Ministry’s tree planting project. He implored the Ministry’s delegation to take cognizance of all concerns related to the tree planting project for appropriate actions.
PC Alimamy Sorie expressed his commitment to the woodlots project by officially presenting the Tawuya Community Woodlots Committee who will be in charge to implement the woodlot planting within the Tawuya Community. He appealed for an extension of the project, and a storage facility for the tools.
The Director of Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Madam Kate Garnett was unequivocal on the good performance of Gbinleh Chiefdom on the Ministry’s tree planting project. She confirmed that the selection of Tawuya Community for the UNDP woodlots establishment was also based on the community’s commitment and cooperation with the Ministry’s tree planting project.
The Director acknowledged the concerns raised over the financial commitment by the Ministry’s tree planting project. She disclosed that the third phase was designed to incorporate Paramount Chiefs through the establishment of a Community Forest Management Committee to lead the national tree planting project in their various Chiefdoms. She assured them that the Ministry would honor its financial commitment to the project.
Director Garnett disclosed that 10,400 varieties of seedlings with working tools would be supplied for establishing the woodlots. She assured Tawuya stakeholders that UNDP has already provided the funds for this project and disbursement would commenced soonest to kick-start the woodlot project which will be for a one year period.
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Edward Bendu thanked PC Alimamy Sorie for forming a Committee on the project. “The Committee serves as the best structure to deliver the objective of the project”, he stated. He commended the Forestry Department for the screening and selection process through which Tawuya was qualified. He informed the stakeholders that the second component of the woodlots project is the supply of efficient clean cooking stove to support livelihood sustainability.
The Kambia District Council Chairman, Mohamed Mansarico Mansaray notified stakeholders that the woodlots project is a testament to address the adverse effects of climate change within their District. He emphasized for Local Council involvement into the woodlots projects. “Tree planting projects are devolve functions for sustainability and ownership”, he reemphasized.
The Chairman pinpoints on three potential benefits of the woodlots establishment; increased in water supply to community people, youth employment and revenue generation. He said the Council would be committed to address whatever challenges in order to conclude the project.
In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Elizabeth Hawa Ellie encouraged the stakeholders to develop a bye-law which would contribute towards sustainability of the woodlots project. She indicated that sustainability of the project requires collective responsibility among all relevant stakeholders. “Building a lasting impact to protect our environment requires community with sustainable action plans”, she affirmed. Sequel to this, she noted that this would lure other donor partners to replicate similar project in other Chiefdoms. She admonished committee members to use the tools for their intended purposes and keep them safely. She added that UNDP would be conducting monitoring exercise on the tools during the project implementation.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that all concerns regarding the Ministry’s tree planting project would be taken into cognizance for appropriate actions. She assured stakeholders that the District Forest Officers (DFOs) would conduct an assessment on the Ministry’s tree planting project and write a report for onward submission to all Paramount Chiefs involved in the project in order to address all concerns.
The official launching was climaxed by handing over of equipment to the Tawuya Community Woodlots Committee.
