BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
Akem Fonyuy Yvette, a Masters Degree holder in Nursing from Biaka University Institute of Buea, is the winner of ICENECDEV Miss Environment 2024/2025 contest, after pitching a project on climate actions to support food systems and agriculture.
The first runner up, Bekoume Wandji Kouayep pitched a project on strategies and approaches of conservation of endangered species of migratory birds francoline morning in Mount Cameroon forest region. Chin Claudia Dinyuy won the prize for the best creative photoshoot on reusing and reducing plastic waste at this year’s Miss Environment contest.
Miss Environment contest is a flagship programme of ICENECDEV initiated in 2020 to empower girls and Women in environmental sustainability, environmental stewardship and environmental consciousness.
Akem Fonyuy
The Miss Environment Contest Award servers as platform to empower and engage girls and youth to mainstreaming gender into environmental sustainability and sustainable development goals of 2030 agenda and Africa vision 2063.
Activities of the Miss Environment contest award spans from auditioning, launching of the Miss Environment contest highlighting the theme on the Mother Earth calls for actions, pitching of one minute video voting on any environment problem affecting communities within the context of the triple planetary crisis and sustainable development goals, Miss Environment quiz, presentation of projects to committee and panel, press and media conferences and visit to social centres including orphanage and prison among others.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, ICENECDEV Miss Environment 2024/2025, Akem Fonyuy Yvette said winning Miss Environment is an incredible honour. “It feels amazing to be recognised for my passion for environmental protection, and I’m truly excited about the opportunity to make a difference. I am deeply thankful to Mr. Fongoh Eric, ICENECDEV’s co-founder, for recognising my potential and entrusting me with the role of Miss Environment. I extend my gratitude to ICENECDEV, its partners, sponsors, and my fellow contestants for their unwavering support”, Akem Fonyuy said.
She explained that her focus as Miss Environment will be centered around the OHOTI Project – One Household One Tree Initiative. “This initiative is close to my heart because I believe that everyone can contribute to a greener future, even in small ways”, Fonyuy said.
“I want to inspire communities across Cameroon to plant a trees (Food to Fruit trees to medicinal plants), at home not only to beautify their surroundings but also to combat deforestation, climate change and Food Insecurity”, she furthered.
Fonyuy added that she and her team will partner with local organisations and communities to distribute seedlings and provide education on tree planting and care. “We’ll also work on raising awareness about the benefits of these trees, from food availability, good health, to combat climate change, promote aesthetics, creating subsidiaries and multiplier effect.