The Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF) recently marked a significant milestone in its history, celebrating 25 years of promoting conservation and sustainable development in Cameroon. The five-day anniversary celebration brought together stakeholders from across the country and beyond to discuss the way forward for conservation and sustainable development in Cameroon.
The celebration kicked off with a sports walk, which brought together staff, alumni, and friends to promote conservation awareness and sustainable practices. Later that day, an alumni meeting was held, connecting African minds for a brighter future. The meeting provided a platform for ERuDeF’s alumni to share their experiences and discuss sustainable African development.
On the second day, a roundtable discussion was held to explore the role of research, grants, and industry practice in driving innovation. The discussion brought together experts from across Cameroon to share their insights and experiences. The CEO expressed his desire for the ERuDeF Institute to produce graduates who are job creators, not job seekers. The Vice President highlighted the fundraising aspect of the institution, making it a better option for advancing conservation goals.
A tree-planting activity was also held in three schools in Buea, promoting environmental protection and serving humanity. Students from Baptist High School Great Soppo, Government High School Bomaka, and Government High School Bokova Rural participated in the exercise, planting 30 medicinal tree seedlings to enhance biodiversity and support reforestation efforts.
A donors meeting was held, recognizing the support of ERuDeF’s valued partners. The meeting highlighted the importance of empowering local communities, as they are the ones doing the real conservation work. The head of department from ERuDeF presented their mission, activities, and vision for the next 25 years, emphasizing the role of conservation in driving sustainable development.
A symposium was held on the theme “Promoting Science and Research in Africa.” The event brought together students from across Cameroon to share their research and innovations in advancing science and conservation. Renowned experts, researchers, and stakeholders from across Africa participated in thought-provoking discussions, debates, and networking opportunities.
The final celebration marked the end of ERuDeF’s 25th-anniversary events. The occasion featured musical performances, speeches, cutting of the ribbon, cutting of the cake, and the launch of several new initiatives:
- The ERuDeF Global Alumni Network
- The Match for the Preservation of Mother Earth
- The ERuDeF University Institute
- Roundtable Guests Seminar Series
- The ERuDeF University Institute Symposia Services, leading to the publication of the Book of Abstracts
- The ERuDeF University Institute Buea Water Initiative, under the banner of the Cameroon Cities Greening Programme and Access to Potable Drinking Water for All, which was officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a dedicated fundraising drive
- The Cameroon Cities Green Fund
ERuDeF also launched its 2050 vision, which includes the establishment of new offices in Ghana for West Africa and Rwanda for East Africa. This expansion underscores ERuDeF’s commitment to promoting conservation and sustainable development across Africa.
The CEO, Louis Nkembi, reiterated that the jubilee year is still ongoing and open for support, partnerships, and collaborations.
ERuDeF’s 25th-anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone in its history, providing a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss the way forward for conservation and sustainable development in Cameroon. The organization looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting conservation and sustainable development in Cameroon and beyond.
