In Thialaga, a generation of children is being introduced to environmental protection.

Thialaga, a village in the commune of Dodel, hosted a day dedicated to environmental protection. The program included a reforestation project and the creation of a vegetable garden. This initiative aims to empower children to become active participants in preserving the environment in the Fouta region.

In this part of the Podor department, where temperatures can reach particularly high levels, the preservation of vegetation is a major issue. It is in this context that a day of reforestation and the creation of a vegetable garden was organized in Thialaga by the Filière Verte association.

The event brought together children, parents, representatives from the town hall, and local dignitaries. Beyond planting trees, the initiative primarily aims to familiarize young people with good environmental practices and to help them understand the importance of protecting natural resources.

Several shade trees have been planted in the area. This choice also addresses the climatic realities of this region of Fouta, which experiences intense heat. Planting vegetation thus appears to be a way to create more pockets of coolness, while also contributing to improving the quality of life.

Setting up a vegetable garden is the other important part of the day. Through this hands-on activity, the children are encouraged to discover new approaches related to the land, plant production, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Educating children to change behaviors

For the initiators, the choice to target children is not insignificant. The goal is to involve them very early in environmental issues in order to promote the adoption of more responsible behaviors within families and, ultimately, throughout the entire community.

This approach therefore goes beyond simply planting trees. It is about passing on to new generations a culture of environmental protection, in a region where the effects of heat, pressure on natural resources and challenges related to vegetation make this awareness particularly necessary.

A steering committee has also been established to monitor the actions undertaken and ensure their continuity. The challenge now will be to nurture the planted trees, maintain the vegetable garden, and above all, keep the children engaged in environmental issues.

In Thialaga, this initiative outlines an approach where reforestation is not limited to planting trees: it is primarily about fostering, along with the plants, a new ecological awareness among the children of Fouta.