Eco-Systems:
Apart from Gambian forestry's critical importance to the
biological diversity of a number of life systems, it also also has
natural resources which provide vital energy, materials for the
building industry, food and medical drugs to the population. 43% of
the country’s entire land area (505,000 hectares) is under forest cover with woodland
making up for 10% and the remainder consisting of savanna
and mangroves which are found along the Gambia river. The mangroves
system is estimated to cover 60,000 to 67,000 ha. There are 66
natural forest park areas covering a total area of 34,000 ha.
There are currently 6,462 ha of forest land under the management of
community projects. The forest ecosystem has significantly changed in
the last 2 to 3 decades from being a dense and highly biologically
diverse environment to its present scant state. High population growth
is the single most important reason for the state of deforestation.
The Forest Policy (1995-2005) aims to maintain, reserve and develop
30% of forest land resources of the country ensuring that 75% of these
forest areas are managed by local people in their communities.
Eco-Systems:
