The Network of Biodiversity of Action Journalists (BAJ), an environmental and natural resources youth-led organisation, will today, 11 February 2013, commence a two-day programme to officially launch the organisation at the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations' (TANGO) conference hall in Kanifing.

The objectives of the programme include raising public awareness on environmental threats, in a bid to encourage local community participation in the protection and conservation of the country's biological and natural resources for prosperity.

The first day of the official launching will be graced by dignitaries from the Ministry of Energy, Departments of Water Resources, Fisheries, UNDP, FAO, World Wildlife Fund, National Environment Agency, Gambia Press Union, National Assembly members, youth leaders and many others.It will be followed by a capacity building programme on the second day for members.

The environmental and natural resources reporters in the country, the BAJ national coordinator, Abdou Rahman Sallah, explained that theyhave seen the need to come together to form a common front in a bid to increase public awareness on environment and related issues. "BAJ has implemented and took part in many activities and other environment related programmes since its inception at both national and international level," he informed.

Formed in December 2010 with technical assistance from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, BAJ-Gambia is an environmental and natural resources youth-led organisation. It consists of youth activists,journalists from the print and electronic media, as well as online bloggers.