By Buba Gagigo
In a statement dated October 27, 2024, the Sukuta Village Development Committee (VDC), along with concerned citizens of Sukuta, has urgently called on the Gambian government to cease all clearing activities within Salagi Forest Park.
“The Sukuta Village Development Committee, in collaboration with the concerned citizens of Sukuta, is calling on the Government of The Gambia to immediately cease all activities related to the clearing of Salagi Forest. It has come to our attention in October 2024 that a portion of this vital forest area is being cleared for the dumping and sale of basalt by a private company without any prior public knowledge or consultation. Many in our community are surprised and outraged by this move given the forest’s environmental and economic importance and the likely consequence of the company’s proposed commercial activity,” they said.
Residents warn that ongoing deforestation presents a severe risk to their environment, biodiversity, and community well-being.
“It can also cause climate change, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and the like. The Salagi Forest is not just a natural resource; it is an integral part of our ecosystem, providing wildlife habitat and water for the Greater Banjul Area, supporting local climate regulation, and serving as a crucial buffer area. It also reminds us of our cultural heritage. We are deeply concerned that this project has proceeded without transparency or public input, undermining the rights of local communities to have a say in developments that affect their environment and livelihoods,” they said.
The Sukuta community is firm in its stance against deforestation, urging the government to:
- Immediately halt all clearing activities in Salagi Forest.
– Engage with the Sukuta community and relevant stakeholders in an open dialogue regarding the future of this area.
– And prioritize sustainable development practices that protect our natural resources for future generations.
“We call upon all citizens, environmental advocates, and stakeholders to join us in this crusade to protect our forest. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our environment is preserved,” they concluded.
Established on January 1, 1954, Salagi Forest Park spans 262 hectares and is located in western Gambia at an altitude of 26 meters, according to the Salagi Forest Park website.