The ‘Green-Up 10,000’ is an youth-led national tree planting project that seeks to actively engage young people in planting ten thousand (10,000) trees in ten (10) months. The project was initiated by young people of the country and it was officially launched by the Executive Director of the National Youth Council at the Officer’s Mess in Kotu, on the 16th September, 2016, in commemoration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. During the launching, participants pledged to effectively contribute their qoata in ensuring that 10,000 trees are planted for the Green Up. The project is affiliated with Change Makers in Switzerland and implemented by Climate Watch-The Gambia (CWG) and Youth Action For Sustainable Development.

How the project started:

Deforestation has caused a reduced supply of wood and non-wood Forestry products, reduced environmental services such as watershed and soil protection, and reduced biodiversity. There is a growing demand for forest products, and a growing shortfall in supply, based on current investment levels. Due to deforestation there are increased fuel wood costs, both in terms of money and productive time, wasted in fuel wood collection.

The Green-Up is initiated to go out to the people, sensitize, train, and facilitate them to plant and grow trees and shrubs in their homes, gardens, and fields.

Current status:

COMPLETED

Recommendations actions:

Continue Improving the communities knowledge and awareness of climatic change issues and supporting demonstration and adaptation practices that reduce the impact of climatic change on peoples livelihoods such as best practices in water protection and preservation, soil fertility conservation, best energy production and conservation among others.