CALR

Cameroon has committed to restore 12million hectares of degraded landscapes within the framework of the Bonn Challenge, also called AFR100, Africa restoration 100 million hectares, commitment reiterated in the Kigali Declaration of 2016, by many Heads of States and Government in Africa. Cameroon's 12 million commitment is the lion's share. Restoring landscapes is very vital for healthy ecosystems as they also restore viable biodiversity and stabilize climate, but this should be done in ways that do no harm to people and other creatures, including affecting land and food security.

"This explains why the Cameroon Centre for Peace Research and Initiative (CAMPEACI) and Centre for Nature Conservation and Development (CNCD) sought to carryout a people-centered and culturally Appropriate landscape restoration program in the Bangem Sub-Division, with the objectives: - To sensitize the community on the necessity and importance of culturally Appropriate Landscape Restoration, - To ensure the planting of trees for the greening of the town, and - To ensure the Sustainability of the program through stakeholder engagement.

Nurturing Nature to have a Nurturing Future

CAMPEACI/CNCD in collaboration with the Divisional Delegates of environment and Forestry, joined hands with the Lord Mayor of Bangem under the supervision of the Bangem Central Divisional Officer in the inauguration of the tree planting project on Thursday, 10th August 2023. Graced with the presence of the Presbyterian Secretary of the Bakossi North Presbytery, PCC Bangem, and a cross section of the Christian Women Fellowship (CWF), the project was committed to God Almighty through prayers and the planting proper kick start almost immediately. It is worth noting that Excellent Awards were presented to HRH Chief Nnane Nnoko of Bangem, Lord Mayor Ekungwe Christopher, and the Divisional Delegate of Environment and Nature Protection for their enormous support and involvement in the CALR project.

An Additional Point

Trees were planted from the Ebusco hill area through the main street right up to the check point - GRA. Also, planting was done at the hospital street beginning from GRA T - Junction. For sustainability, the program has made provision for focal persons who will follow up of the tress planted, to ensure their successful viability for a period of one year. In addition to the support from the Land owners (on whose plots the trees have been planted), CAMPEACI & CNCD together with the Bangem Rural Council will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation.

Bangem which is the headquarters of Kupe-Muanenguba Division, is considered as the heartland of the Bakossi people. Nestled halfway up Mount Muanenguba surrounded by sloppy hill, very rich soils and its famous twin lakes, Bangem enjoys a cool, rainy climate which makes it a prime destination for tourists. Recently, the discovery of the new wealth in agriculture amongst many inhabitants in and around the area is resulting to the felling of trees for agricultural purposes. A situation which if not checked, in the long run could have an adverse effect on the ecosystem of the area.