30/08/2026
YOUTH ACTION NETWORK THE GAMBIA — SUMMER TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE 2026
Theme: “He Who Plants a Tree Plants Hope.”
Youth Action Network The Gambia (YANG), in collaboration with the Sutusinjang Village Forest Committee and the community’s dedicated youth, successfully implemented a transformative Summer Tree Planting Initiative aimed at strengthening community participation in forest restoration, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience. This forest is chosen because it is well protected
Under the inspiring theme, “He Who Plants a Tree Plants Hope,” the initiative goes beyond simply putting seedlings into the ground. It represents an investment in the future an expression of our collective responsibility to protect nature, restore degraded landscapes, combat climate change, and leave a healthier environment for generations yet unborn.
With the valuable support of our partners, ADWAC and Roots, YANG and its community partners successfully planted 2,000 forest and fruit tree seedlings, comprising Saba Senegalensis, Cordyla senegalensis, Mahogany, Malina, and Orange trees.
This achievement demonstrates what becomes possible when young people, community institutions, forest committees, and development partners work together with a shared vision. Every seedling planted represents a commitment to environmental protection; every participating young person represents a guardian of our ecological future; and every community member engaged represents a potential custodian of our forests.
Importantly, the initiative does not end with tree planting. Selected seedlings will be distributed within the community to committed forest conservation and environmental management members, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility while encouraging households and community actors to actively participate in nurturing and protecting the trees.
Our Wisdom
A tree is never planted only for the person holding the seedling, it is planted for those who will one day rest under its shade.
When we plant trees today, we are planting hope against desertification, resilience against climate change, opportunities for future generations, biodiversity for our ecosystems, and a legacy of responsible environmental stewardship.
The real success of this initiative will not be measured only by the 2,000 trees planted, but by the number that survive, grow, regenerate, and continue serving the community for decades to come.
YANG therefore calls upon the community, especially its young people, to embrace the principle that planting a tree is only the beginning—protecting, nurturing, and ensuring its survival is the true act of environmental leadership.
Our gratitude goes to the Sutusinjang Village Forest Committee and the committed youth, whose participation and dedication made this initiative possible. We equally extend our sincere appreciation to ADWAC and Roots for their invaluable support and partnership in advancing community-led environmental action.
Together, we are not merely planting trees. We are restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, inspiring young environmental leaders, and planting hope for generations to come.
Plant a tree. Protect a tree. Nurture a tree. Plant hope.
Youth Action Network The Gambia (YANG)
“Empowering Youth. Restoring Nature. Building a Sustainable Future.”
