BUSINESS - THE SUN NEWSPAPER CAMEROON

MINFOF SW celebrates Int’l Day of Forests 2025 with renewed commitment to forest conservation By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea The Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife for the South West joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 under the theme “Forests and Food”, emphasising the crucial role forests play in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. The event which held at Bilingual Grammar School, Molyko-Buea, March 21, 2025, brought together government officials, conservation experts, students, and local communities to reflect on forest preservation efforts and the challenges of deforestation. -Governor calls for shift in mentality on forest conservation In his keynote address, the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, underscored the urgency of environmental protection, stressing that climate change and natural disasters are real concerns, not just routine discussions to please international partners. The Governor recalled the March 2023 flash floods in Buea, which resulted in the loss of four lives and significant property damage. He highlighted how forests played a crucial role in minimising the impact of water runoff from the mountains, demonstrating the underestimated value of forest ecosystems in disaster prevention. “It is high time for us to change our mentality and recognise that our survival depends on adopting environmentally friendly behaviours,” he urged, calling on communities to strictly observe reforestation and conservation measures. Cameroon, home to vast forested land covering over two-thirds of its national territory, is making strides in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. The forestry sector currently contributes 3.8% to the country’s GDP, providing over 45,000 jobs, according to a World Bank report from August 2024. -Government and International efforts in forest preservation Cameroon has committed to various international treaties to safeguard its forest resources, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and several conventions on biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation. The government’s Vision 2035 outlines strategies to mitigate climate change, with an ambitious goal to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 83% by 2030,compared to the 2010 baseline. In July 2024, a new Forest and Wildlife Law was enacted, prioritising the restoration of degraded forest landscapes. As part of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, Cameroon aims to restore 12,000 hectares of degraded land. The Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Jules Doret Ndongo, has tasked regional delegations to enhance forest protection, increase afforestation efforts, and integrate youth involvement in conservation programmes. -Regional Delegate outlines conservation achievements Speaking at the event, Christian Manga-Bell Epie, Regional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife for the South West, detailed the multi-faceted benefits of forests in agriculture, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation. “The forest not only supports agriculture but also provides essential foods such as wild fruits, roots, mushrooms, and even seafood from mangrove ecosystems,” he stated. The South West Region, covering 32% of its land as protected forest areas, actively supports biodiversity conservation through the management of major national parks such as Korup, Takamanda, Bakossi, and Mount Cameroon, alongside wildlife sanctuaries like Banyang-Mbo and Tofala Hills. A significant initiative involves working with agro-industries like Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) and Pamol to promote sustainable land use that integrates agricultural expansion with forest conservation. -Local authorities and students join reforestation efforts The 2nd Deputy Mayor of Buea, Mosoko Edward, condemned rampant deforestation in the municipality, calling for stronger community involvement. “Deforestation around Buea has led to untold suffering,” he lamented, urging citizens to embrace tree planting and reject illegal logging. A key highlight of the event was the symbolic planting of 15 trees at the host institution, with an additional 405 seedlings designated for schools and streets across Buea. The National Forestry Development Agency (ANAFOR) facilitated this effort to combat soil erosion, enhance urban greenery, and promote sustainable forestry. Students also played an active role in the celebration, reciting poems and spoken-word performances that emphasised the importance of forests in sustaining life. -Call to Action: “We must protect what we plant” Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai issued a stern reminder that planting trees alone is not enough. “Every year, we plant trees, but are we following up on their growth? What about the trees planted three or four years ago?” he questioned, calling for regular monitoring of afforestation projects to ensure long-term sustainability. The International Day of Forests 2025 served as a wake-up call for intensified forest conservation efforts in Cameroon. With commitments from the government, local authorities, conservation experts, and the community, the path toward a greener, food-secure future looks promising. However, as the Governor aptly put it, planting trees is just the first step. The real challenge is ensuring their survival and growth for future generations. Governor Bilai spearheads tree planting exercise during celebration of the International Forest Day 2025 in Buea Regional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife for the SWR, Christian Manga-Bell Epie talks to the press Students of BGS Molyko carrying placards with messages on Forest conservation Students presenting poems and spoken words during celebration of the International Day of Forests 2025 in Buea

March 31, 2025

Steve

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