Gambiaj.com – (KOLDA) – On Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, Senegalese authorities launched a major operation to combat illegal logging in the forests bordering Gambia. Led by Colonel Daniel Manga, the new Regional Inspector of Water and Forests for the Kolda region, the operation targeted the Medina-Mary area, where locals had reported suspicious activity at night.

The primary concern was the century-old Dimb trees, which were being felled and transported across the border into Gambia. The report highlights Guinean residents in Gambian villages like Gambissara, known for its sawmills, as the driving force behind this illicit business. A newly built sawmill in Dembacounda further fueled suspicions about the source of the timber.

This operation marks a significant effort by Eaux et Forêts de Vélingara (Water and Forests Department) to protect the Medina-Mary forests. Locals, who have long advocated for a dedicated forestry station to combat “forest delinquents,” welcomed Colonel Manga’s initiative. They also praised Captain Goethe Dieng, head of Vélingara’s Water and Forestry division, for his attentiveness to their concerns.

The successful operation and positive local response indicate a strong commitment to environmental protection in the region. With continued collaboration between authorities and local communities, the fight against illegal logging appears to be gaining ground.