Not only does this project help offset carbon emissions but also produces community benefits in terms of food, fruit and medicine from the trees used. Many of the trees are specially planted to produce pollen to encourage bees. The honey is used for food, health, medicine and beauty products offering an income from its sales.
The trees are grown from transplants of indigenous trees collected as seedlings by local people and are grown in the Gambia is Good (GIG) community farm.
All trees are protected for at least 20 years through a management agreement signed by the village Alkalo (village head) on behalf of each community. TICOS has provided an experienced forester to help with maintenance and the replacement of any trees damaged or lost and long-term management is exercised by the Travel Foundation's national advisor.
Over the next 20 years of the management agreement, the carbon offset will be equivalent to 5,000 tonnes which equates to the CO2 created by 5,000 return flights from the UK to The Gambia.
Tree planting festival - 2007
In 2007 a tree planting festival was organised by Sifo Kafo Farm, one of the three sites, to mark the occasion with Mandinka drumming and dancing. We planted 3,000 gmalina, cashew and other trees in two farms belonging to the Sifo Kafo Farms. The Iman blessed the trees and all the village elders gave their full support. The whole village community attended and took part in a symbolic planting ceremony and there was a sense of pride and determination to see these trees grow to maturity.
The photographs show a planting ceremony in Sifo attended by us, TICOS and the Travel Foundation and supported by the whole village. The village elders all planted a tree and TICOS also contributed to the event by planting 50 trees to help to offset recent staff flights.
For more information go to www.ticos.co.uk to see how our customers contributions have made a difference.
