Latest Carbon Offset News

Tree planting update

We are proud to announce that 10,000 new trees were planted in August in three community sites in the south of The Gambia as part of our Opt in & Offset carbon offset scheme.

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.

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.

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.

The photographs below 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.

Since the launch of our carbon offset scheme in May, we have had very positive feedback from holidaymakers wishing to make their contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

Over 50% of bookings made online have paid the voluntary contribution. In The Gambia the projects, which are directly and exclusively funded by The Gambia Experience clients (and those of our sister companies), have progressed quickly with the first of the initial 10,000 trees planted during August and solar assessments have been carried out in three hotels with the view to develop the construction of solar panels in The Gambia.

As a company we hope to raise over £40,000 in our first year based on the average take up of carbon offset schemes. With the feedback we have received, we are confident that our clients will continue to opt in.

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