My name is Coumba TOUNKARA, and I live in Tambacounda, a region of Senegal.

In my region, we are facing serious problems related to climate change, and deforestation is the main cause. We cook with firewood and we need timber to make furniture.

We frequently suffer from drought and the heat was intense in 2019, so we said prayers for rain in the mosques.

Even if the rain does come back, we will see a decline in agricultural production. There is a risk of drought, which increases the number of people fleeing the region as well as the displacement of wild animals.

In the Senegalese capital, I have seen higher than usual tides causing floods that destroy homes and put poor families out on the street. In Tambacounda, flooding of the River Gambia has caused significant reductions in the banana crop.

Fortunately, young people like me are working together in organisations such as "AM BE KOUN". Our goal is to combat the changes that are affecting our daily lives. For example, in 2019 we have replanted 3000 trees, maintained them and kept them secure.

We thank you for helping us in this important work.

This English translation has been possible thanks to the PerMondo project: Free translation of website and documents for non-profit organisations. A project managed by Mondo Agit. Translators: Rachel Holland, Paul Fisher. Proofreaders: Paul Fisher, Rachel Holland.