Report on World Environment Week in Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon

To commemorate this year's World Environment Day under the theme "Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration," the Network of Environmental Stakeholders Cameroon (NES-Cam) collaborated with the Regional Delegation for Environment, Protection of Nature, and Sustainable Development (RD-MINEPDED) and The Greens to organize week-long activities from June 1 to June 5, 2024.

The week began on June 1 with a quiz for primary, secondary, and university students at RD-MINEPDED, which saw the participation of 28 young people. This was followed by a walk for the environment, dubbed “Step-up for the Environment,” involving over 40 participants. The walk, coordinated by Ngalim Franklin (Mr.Green), included climbing a newly constructed stairway linking downtown Bamenda to Up Station Hill.

During the walk, participants introduced themselves, stretched, and engaged in discussions about the changing landscape of Bamenda, the impact of human activities on climate, and climate change's effects on the city. Climate activists such as Fontoh Desmond Fontoh of CEPOW emphasized the importance of scientific data in climate education and action, while Kemie Christopher of Kedjom-Keku CASUD highlighted the value of documenting indigenous knowledge to supplement scientific data.

Other topics discussed included waste management, composting, organic farming, and water scarcity. Farmer Tantoh presented research findings on the lack of awareness about water conservation techniques among Bamenda residents, stressing the need for awareness campaigns to prevent water scarcity.

The walk concluded with stakeholders identifying areas for further research, such as finding alternatives to eucalyptus trees and recognizing the importance of grass for water conservation. Policymakers were urged to collaborate with civil society organizations to develop effective strategies. The event concluded with the planting of over 300 trees at Ecole des Champions, G.N.S Army Camp, and G.B.H.S Bamendakwe.

On June 5, World Environment Day saw over 70 stakeholders, students, and the public gather at the Regional Delegation’s hall. The event included a welcome address from the Regional Delegate, the reading of the UN Secretary-General’s speech by Ngalim Franklin (Mr. Green), the award of prizes and certificates to quiz participants, discussions about the theme, press interviews, a family picture, refreshments, and closing remarks from the Regional Delegate.

With the departure of the students, press, and members of the general public, civil society organizations met to prepare for the upcoming World Day to Combat Desertification on June 17, 2024, and brainstorm on revamping NES-Cam.

To conclude, World Environment Week in Bamenda featured educational and land restoration activities aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices such as effective waste management and tree planting. The collaboration between the Regional Delegation, civil society organizations, and the community underscored the importance of collective efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development. The planned activities for June 17, 2024, and the revitalization of NES-Cam highlight ongoing commitments to these goals.

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