As part of the Girls’ Summer Bantaba programme, Raise the Young Foundation (RTYF) organized a Mangrove Restoration Activity held on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the Bakau Tanbi Wetlands to promote youth participation in environmental protection, climate action, and community resilience.
The activity brought together members of the Girls’ Summer Bantaba cohort, partners, and other stakeholders for a practical environmental conservation exercise focused on restoring mangrove ecosystems and strengthening awareness of the importance of wetlands.
Welcome and Orientation
The Executive Director of Raise the Young Foundation Mr. Yankuba Keita welcomed participants to the mangrove restoration activity and provided an overview of its purpose and significance. He highlighted the important role young people can play in addressing climate change, protecting natural resources, and promoting environmental sustainability within their communities.
As part of the orientation, Mr. Yankuba Keita demonstrated how mangrove propagules are prepared prior to planting, explaining the appropriate steps and handling techniques required to support successful mangrove restoration.
Practical Demonstration on Mangrove Planting
Following the orientation, Babucarr Jallow, a representative of the Bakau Scouts, conducted a practical demonstration on the proper planting of mangroves. He explained the appropriate planting techniques and guided participants through the process, ensuring that they understood how to properly handle and position the propagules.
Participants then applied the knowledge gained from the demonstration by actively participating in the mangrove planting exercise.
Participant Engagement and Experience Sharing
The activity was highly interactive, with participants actively engaged throughout the restoration exercise. Participants shared their experiences and perspectives on mangrove restoration and the importance of protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems.
The session also provided an opportunity for participants to ask questions, exchange knowledge, and deepen their understanding of mangrove restoration, environmental conservation, and the role of young people in addressing climate-related challenges.
Appreciation and Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Babucarr M. Darboe expressed appreciation to the partners and members of the Girls’ Summer Bantaba cohort for their active participation and commitment to the success of the activity. He acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and community participation in protecting wetlands and promoting environmental sustainability.
A Tangible Environmental Impact
A major achievement of the activity was the successful planting of 2,000 mangroves at the Bakau Tanbi Wetlands.
This achievement represents a meaningful contribution to wetland restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. It also demonstrates the potential of youth-led initiatives to translate environmental awareness into practical and measurable action.
Conclusion
The Girls’ Summer Bantaba Mangrove Restoration Activity, successfully combined environmental awareness, practical learning, youth participation, and direct conservation action. Through the planting of 2,000 mangroves, participants made a tangible contribution to restoring the wetland while gaining practical knowledge and experience in mangrove conservation.
The activity reinforced the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in addressing climate change and environmental challenges and to contribute meaningfully to sustainable and resilient communities.