On August 24, 2024, the Youth International Leadership Institute (YIL-Network) Gambia Chapter successfully planted approximately 200 trees of various species at Kudang Forest Park, located in the Central River Region. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the local community and the Forestry Department, marks an important step in YIL-Network ongoing efforts to combat climate change and restore forest cover in rural and urban areas on the continent of Africa. This initiative aiming to plant 2 millions of different trees and expected to be done by the end of 2030 .
The annual tree-planting event reflects YIL-Network commitment to environmental sustainability and underscores the importance of community-driven efforts in addressing the ecological challenges facing the African regions. In Gambia, the Central River Region, historically known as the "breadbasket" of the Gambia for its fertile freshwater swamps, has been integral to the country’s food security, particularly through year-round irrigated rice cultivation. However, recent years have seen the region's agricultural potential severely compromised due to continuous deforestation, unsustainable practices, and unregulated exploitation of natural resources.
In response to these challenges, YIL-Network has intensified its reforestation activities. Last year, the organization successfully planted trees in Mamuda, Rumba, and nearby settlements, contributing to the restoration of the region's natural environment. The Kudang Forest Park initiative is the latest in a series of YIL-Network's environmental actions aimed at reversing the negative impacts of deforestation and promoting sustainable land use.
The Central River Region's decline has drawn the attention of various civil engagement and restoration programs, which are now working together to develop sustainable solutions to safeguard the area’s agricultural prospects. YIL-Network is proud to be a part of these efforts, recognizing that restoring the region’s natural resources is vital not only for the environment but also for the long-term prosperity of the local communities.
YIL-Network extends its deepest appreciation to the Kudang community for their active participation and support. The Institute is particularly grateful to Sulayman, the First Cohort president, for his exceptional leadership in organizing the event. His dedication and the community’s collective effort were instrumental in the success of this year’s tree-planting initiative.
As YIL-Network continues to advocate for change, it remains committed to empowering youth and fostering environmental stewardship in the Gambia and beyond.
