Surprise your friend with an ethical Christmas gift that protects forests and supports sustainable livelihoods in The Gambia! You will receive an electronic card which you can forward to your loved ones.
Dodo’s Tesito project, funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, aims to enhance forest conservation in Gambia, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau through developing an interactive forest map. During the project, the Jiffarong community garden has been restored and 90 women have started a new livelihood as farmers. This is expected to substitute the income from selling firewood and improve the families’ food security. Also a tree nursery was established in the community for the restoration of the community forest. The project also cooperates with the forestry officers in Gambia and organizes forest fire prevention training in the communities and schools.
Choose the gift below and send the amount to Dodo’s account FI0815553000101759 (recipient Dodo ry, reference number 13579) and write “Ethical Christmas gift” + your email address in the message field. We will send an electronic card to your email, which you can forward or print to your loved ones!
The funds collected will be used towards Tesito-project’s co-funding contribution, which is 15% of the annual budget.
Additional training for a farmer in Jiffarong, 10€
As part of the project, 90 women started a new business as vegetable farmers. With the support of an agricultural trainer, they learn the farming methods and skills for their new business. Ten euros can cover three days of additional training for one farmer.
10 tree seedlings to the Jiffarong tree nursery, 30€
Seedlings from the Jiffarong tree nursery are planted both in the community forest for reforestation and in the garden to improve food security. One seedling costs 3 euros, with 30 euros 10 new seedlings can be bought for the nursery.
Fire fighting supplies for one community, 200€
As part of the Tesito project, volunteers from communities are trained by the forestry department to fight and extinguish forest fires. The equipment needed to extinguish a forest fire is also distributed to the communities, for each community the package is worth 200e.
Thank you for choosing an ethical Christmas gift and supporting the project!
Fundraising permit: RA/2020/1705, issued by the Police on the 31st of December 2020, valid from 04th of January 2021 in the entire territory of Finland, excluding Åland
Recipient of fundraising license: Dodo ry, Aleksis Kiven katu 88 G, 00520 Helsinki Business ID: 1108152-0
Contact: sanni.siukola@dodo.org
GAMBIA TESITO PROject
Project 2023-2026
Dodo has been granted MFA’s funding for a continuation project in Gambia, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau! In this four-year project, the goal is to continue applying the forest mapping and monitoring method to the neighboring countries, and further develop the sustainable livelihoods established in the first phase of the project.
One of the main goals is to train local environmental officials, NGOs and community representatives to use the forest monitoring tool in Gambia, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The map created in Gambia will be further developed and map for pilot areas in the two new countries created. The aim is to enable the local actors to better participate in decision-making related to land-use which is crucial for the development of equality and democracy. The tool is also expected to enhance cross-border cooperation in forest monitoring.
The aim is to also protect the buffer zone surrounding Kiang West National Park, Gambia’s second largest conservation area. Fire prevention trainings are continued in schools and communities in the Kiang West district, in cooperation with the Forestry Department in Gambia. One of the goals is to reduce the pressure on the forest by creating alternative livelihoods for the residents of Jiffarong, e.g. micro businesses and vegetable farming, to substitute firewood selling as income. Also, a new method, FMNR (farmer managed natural regeneration) is piloted in Jiffarong, and expected to improve food security and soil quality.
All planned activities are implemented in cooperation with Dodo’s local partner NGO Freedom from Hunger Campaign. Project offers opportunities for volunteers to participate, for example through communications and fundraising. If you want to be a part of the global change, join us!
Email sanni.siukola@dodo.org and let us know what you are interested in.
Project 2021–2022
Dodo has been granted MFA’s funding for a new forest conservation project in Gambia! In this two-year projects goal is to apply the forest mapping and monitoring method, that was originally developed for Madagascar by FANC (The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation), and to help residents of the local village of Jiffarong adapt to climate change by creating new sources of income – for example vegetable gardening.
One of the main goals is to train local environmental officials, NGOs and community representatives to use the forest monitoring tool, with the aim of providing an interactive map covering all forest areas in Gambia to enhance forest protection. The aim is to enable the local actors to better participate in decision-making related to land-use which is crucial for the development of equality and democracy in the Gambia.
The aim is to protect the buffer zone surrounding Kiang West National Park, Gambia’s second largest conservation area. Fire prevention training is organized in 15 communities in the Kiang West district, in cooperation with the environmental officials in Gambia. One of the goals is to reduce the pressure on the forest by creating alternative livelihoods for the residents of the target community Jiffarong, which is located in the buffer zone. This will also improve food security and help the locals adapt to climate change.
Other planned activities, which will be implemented in cooperation with Dodo’s local partner NGO Freedom from Hunger Campaign, are reforestation of the community forest in Jiffarong, establishing a vegetable garden and setting up a revolving fund.
The new project offers many opportunities for volunteers to participate, for example through communications and fundraising. If you want to be a part of the global change, come along!
Email sanni.siukola-ndure@dodo.org and let us know what you are interested in.
Last month, Olli Turunen, the mapping specialist of Tesito project, met with the environmental officers from Senegal’s Department of National Parks in Dakar, the capital of the country. 🏛️🇸🇳
During the meeting, they discussed plans for field trips of 2026 to Niokolo Koba and Ferlo Nord, which will focus on data collection and forest monitoring. Olli also handed over ready-made maps of previously mapped areas in Senegal, providing valuable tools for conservation planning, wildlife management, and habitat protection. 🦜🦅
The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between mapping experts and local authorities, ensuring that satellite and field data can be effectively used to protect Senegal’s natural heritage. 🌿
***
Viime kuussa Olli Turunen, Tesito-hankkeen kartoitusasiantuntija, tapasi Senegalin kansallispuisto-osaston ympäristöviranomaisia Dakarissa, maan pääkaupungissa. 🏛️🇸🇳
Kokouksessa keskusteltiin vuoden 2026 koulutuksista Niokolo Koban ja Ferlo Nordin alueilla, jotka keskittyvät datan keräämiseen ja metsien seurannan vahvistamiseen. Olli myös vei valmiita karttoja aiemmin kartoitetuista alueista Senegalissa, tarjoten arvokkaita työkaluja luonnonsuojelun suunnitteluun, villieläinten hallintaan ja elinympäristöjen suojeluun. 🦅🦜
Kokous korosti yhteistyön merkitystä kartoitusasiantuntijoiden ja paikallisten viranomaisten välillä, jotta satelliitti- ja kenttätietoja voidaan hyödyntää tehokkaasti Senegalin luonnonperinnön suojelemiseksi. 🌿...
Last December, two Gambian youth-led organizations participated in Tesito’s online training on the role of satellite imagery in environmental protection. 🛰️
The session, facilitated by Olli Turunen and Dmitry Aksenov, explored how satellite images and open-data tools can be used to strengthen climate action and environmental decision-making.🌱
Participants included the African Youth Leadership Hub and the Anti-Deforestation Organization, both actively engaged in environmental conservation across Gambia, including tree planting and mangrove restoration.🌳
During the training, participants learned how remote sensing can support the monitoring of land cover changes, deforestation, and broader environmental trends, while also strengthening project planning, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.💰
The session sparked strong interest in continued collaboration and future follow-up training.👏🏽
***
Viime kuussa kaksi gambialaista nuorisojärjestöä osallistui Tesiton järjestämään verkkokoulutukseen, jossa käsiteltiin satelliittikuvien merkitystä ympäristönsuojelussa.🛰️
Koulutuksen vetivät Olli Turunen ja Dmitry Aksenov, ja sen aikana tarkasteltiin, miten satelliittikuvia ja avoimia paikkatietotyökaluja voidaan hyödyntää ilmastotyössä ja ympäristöön liittyvässä päätöksenteossa.🌱
Koulutukseen osallistuivat African Youth Leadership Hub ja Anti-Deforestation Organization, jotka molemmat tekevät aktiivista ympäristönsuojelutyötä eri puolilla Gambiaa, muun muassa puiden istutuksen ja mangrovemetsien ennallistamisen parissa.🌳
Koulutuksen aikana osallistujat oppivat, miten kaukokartoitus voi tukea maankäytön muutosten, metsäkadon ja laajempien ympäristötrendien seurantaa, sekä vahvistaa hankesuunnittelua, vaikuttamistyötä ja varainhankintaa.💰
Koulutus herätti vahvaa kiinnostusta yhteistyötä ja tulevia jatkokoulutuksia kohtaan.👏🏽
Last month, the Forestry Department carried out follow-up fire prevention training in eight communities in the buffer zone of Kiang West National Park, including Dumbutu (in the picture). 🔥📍
These refresher trainings were organised in communities where the first fire-management workshops were held in the project’s pilot phase in 2021–2022, to assess how community fire plans have been implemented. 📄
As part of the follow-up training, communities received updated guidance on fire breaks, early-warning practices and safe fire suppression methods. 🧯
Forest fires remain the biggest threat to the forests in Gambia, particularly now during the dry season. 🍂
*** Viime kuussa metsäosasto järjesti seurantakoulutukset kahdeksassa kylässä Kiang Westin kansallispuiston suojavyöhykkeellä, mukaanlukien Dumbutussa (kuvassa). 📍🔥
Nämä kertauskoulutukset toteutettiin kylissä, joissa järjestettiin ensimmäiset koulutukset hankkeen pilottivaiheessa vuosina 2021–2022, ja niiden tarkoituksena on arvioida, miten kylien palosuunnitelmia on pantu käytäntöön.📄
Koulutuksissa yhteisöt saivat ajantasaista tietoa palokäytävistä, varhaisesta palojen havaitsemisesta sekä palon sammuttamisesta turvallisesti.🧯
Metsäpalot ovat edelleen suurin uhka Gambian metsille, erityisesti nyt kuivan kauden aikaan.🍂
You still have time to surprise your loved one with Dodo’s ethical Christmas gift and support women’s livelihoods and forest conservation in The Gambia!🎅🏽
You can donate via MobilePay: #33075 (Tesito).
Choose from:
✨Vegetable seeds for a farmer, 10 €
✨5 lemon tree seedlings for the community garden, 20€
✨ Fire prevention training for a school, 50€
Write your email in the message field so we can send your e-card. 💌
If you make multiple donations, please make them separately.🌟
Funds collected will be used for the Tesito project to cover its annual co-funding share, which is 15% of the total budget.
Thank you for supporting the project! 💛🎄
Link in bio for more info.🌱
Fundraising permit: RA/2020/1705, Dodo ry, Finland (excl. Åland)
***
Vielä ehdit yllättää läheisesi Dodon eettisellä joululahjalla ja tukea naisten toimeentuloa sekä metsien suojelua Gambiassa!🎅🏽
Voit lahjoittaa MobilePayllla: #33075 (Tesito).
Valitse näistä:
✨Siemeniä viljelijänaiselle, 10 €
✨5 sitruunapuun taimea yhteisön kasvimaalle, 20 €
✨Metsäpalokoulutus koululle, 50 €
Kirjoita sähköpostiosoitteesi viestikenttään, niin lähetämme sähköisen kortin.💌
Jos teet useita lahjoituksia, tee ne erikseen.🌟
Kerätyt varat käytetään Tesito-hankkeeseen sen vuosittaisen omavastuuosuuden kattamiseen, joka on 15 % kokonaisbudjetista.
Kiitos, että tuet hanketta!💛🎄
Lisätietoja: linkki biossa. 🌱
Rahankeräyslupa: RA/2020/1705, Dodo ry, Suomi (pl. Ahvenanmaa)...
You still have time to surprise your loved one with Dodo’s ethical Christmas gift and support women’s livelihoods and forest conservation in The Gambia! 🎄
You can donate via MobilePay: #33075 (Tesito).
Choose from:
🎁 Vegetable seeds for a farmer, 10 €
🎁 5 lemon tree seedlings for the community garden, 20€
🎁 Forest fire training for a school, 50€
Write your email in the message field so we can send your e-card. 💌
If you make multiple donations, please make them separately.✨
Funds collected will be used for the Tesito project to cover its annual co-funding share, which is 15% of the total budget.
Thank you for supporting the project! 💛
Link in bio for more info.🌱
Fundraising permit: RA/2020/1705, Dodo ry, Finland (excl. Åland)
***
Vielä ehdit yllättää läheisesi Dodon eettisellä joululahjalla ja tukea naisten toimeentuloa sekä metsien suojelua Gambiassa! 🎄
Voit lahjoittaa MobilePayllla: #33075 (Tesito).
Valitse näistä:
🎁Siemeniä viljelijänaiselle, 10 €
🎁5 sitruunapuun taimea yhteisön kasvimaalle, 20 €
🎁Metsäpalokoulutus koululle, 50 €
Kirjoita sähköpostiosoitteesi viestikenttään, niin lähetämme sähköisen kortin.💌
Jos teet useita lahjoituksia, tee ne erikseen.✨
Kerätyt varat käytetään Tesito-hankkeeseen sen vuosittaisen omavastuuosuuden kattamiseen, joka on 15 % kokonaisbudjetista.
Kiitos, että tuet hanketta!💛
Lisätietoja: linkki biossa. 🌱
Rahankeräyslupa: RA/2020/1705, Dodo ry, Suomi (pl. Ahvenanmaa)...
This morning, FFHC Agriculture Extension Worker Lamin Nyabally gave a radio interview to GRTS, Gambia Radio and Television Services, on their show Good Morning Gambia. 📻🎤
During the interview, he highlighted key challenges that rural communities in Gambia are facing, which the Tesito Project also aims to address. One of the main challenges discussed was the lack of capacity and facilities for food processing at the community level.
He mentioned Jiffaring as one of the communities that previously struggled with food insecurity, post-harvest losses, and difficulties storing food after the harvest season. These challenges are now being addressed through the @ekoenergy -funded solar-powered food processing and cool storage station, which was officially opened in Jiffarong last weekend. 👏🏽
Lamin emphasized that the facility operates entirely on renewable energy, reflecting EKOenergy’s role as a renewable energy label and its support for sustainable, climate-resilient solutions.☀️🔋
Lamin also explained that farmers have received hands-on training in food processing and in the proper use of the solar-powered system, blenders, and other equipment at the facility. He highlighted the importance of accessible training materials and noted that clear, illustrated manuals were developed to ensure that all farmers can understand and apply the guidance, regardless of literacy level. 📘
Today, Tesito Project is holding an opening event for the new @ekoenergy sponsored food processing station in Jiffarong, bringing together beneficiaries, community members, and media representatives. 👏🏽🎥
Yesterday, the FFHC team transported the final equipment and supplies to Jiffarong, including a solar dryer that makes it possible to dry and preserve food, strengthening food security and livelihoods. 🥭🥜
You can support this work by taking part in our Christmas Gift Campaign, helping promote sustainable livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience in Gambia. 🎁
Check the link in bio for more info. 🌱
***
Tänään Tesito-hanke järjestää avajaistilaisuuden @ekoenergy rahoittamalle elintarvikkeiden jalostusasemalle Jiffarongissa. Avajaiset kokoavat yhteen hyödynsaajia, yhteisön jäseniä sekä median edustajia. 👏🏽🎥
Eilen FFHC:n tiimi kuljetti viimeiset laitteet ja tarvikkeet Jiffarongiin, mukaan lukien aurinkokuivurin, jonka avulla ruokaa voidaan kuivata ja säilyttää pidempään, vahvistaen ruokaturvaa ja toimeentuloa. 🥭🥜
Voit tukea tätä työtä osallistumalla joululahjakampanjaamme ja edistämällä kestäviä toimeentuloja, ruokaturvaa ja ilmastokestävyyttä Gambiassa. 🎁
Last month, the Kafuta Forest School held a forest monitoring field training in Kiang West National Park as part of the Tesito project. 🌳
Ten final-year forestry students took part, learning how to use satellite data to detect fires and understand their impact on forest cover. 📡
The training was led by Principal Momodou Lamin Njai, who shared skills he had gained during Tesito field trips throughout the years. 📍
Students explored real fire data from the region and studied small fires in the area around the Dumbuto community, within the buffer zone of Kiang West National Park. 📊
The practical exercises helped them connect satellite information with real-world forest management and understand how careful monitoring can support forest protection. 🌍
By the end of the day, students felt more confident using the tools and better equipped to contribute to forest conservation. 🔨
Read more from the blogpost, link in bio! 🔗
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Viime kuussa Kafutan metsäkoulu järjesti kenttäkoulutuksen Kiang Westin kansallispuistossa osana Tesito-hanketta. 🌳
Kymmenen viimeisen vuoden opiskelijaa pääsi seuraamaan, miten satelliittidataa voidaan käyttää metsäpalojen havaitsemiseen ja niiden vaikutusten ymmärtämiseen metsäkannalle.📡
Koulutusta johti rehtori Momodou Lamin Njai, joka jakoi opiskelijoille Tesiton kenttäretkillä vuosien varrella oppimiaan taitoja.📍
Opiskelijat tutustuivat dataan alueen metsäpaloista ja analysoivat pieniä paloja Dumbuton kylän ympäristössä Kiang West National Park-kansallispuiston suojavyöhykkeellä. 🌍
Nämä opit auttoivat heitä yhdistämään satelliittihavainnot metsien suojelun käytännön työhön ja ymmärtämään, miten huolellinen seuranta tukee metsien suojelua. 📊
Päivän päätteeksi opiskelijat olivat itsevarmempia työkalujen käytössä ja valmiita osallistumaan metsien suojeluun.🔨
