DEVELOPS TOURISM POTENTIALS FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The African Conservation Foundation has consolidated the professional relationship with the Cameroon conservation organization, the Environment and Rural Development Foundation and established plans with the organization towards making Cameroon a tourist destination. The Executive Director of ACF, Arend De Haas was in Cameroon to improve on the International Volunteering Program which recruits volunteers worldwide to partake in the Cross River Gorilla expedition in the Lebialem Highlands. The team spent time in Bechati participating in the Wildlife Advocacy week which brought hundreds of students and pupils together declaring to be next generation conservation watchdogs. Time was also spent with ERuDeF’s biomonitoring team in the Proposed Tofala Wildlife Hill sanctuary on a Cross River Gorilla expedition. During this time, an ecotourism scoping study was conducted as well.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Mr. Arend expressed satisfaction for the work in conservation ERuDeF is doing. ACF will continue to work in close collaboration with ERuDeF towards developing tourism potentials. To this effect, he championed the organization of a cultural dance in Buea, which aimed at integrating conservation and culture.

The African Conservation Foundation it would be recalled is a UK registered charity working towards the protection and conservation of Africa’s endangered wildlife and their habitats. Founded in 1999, ACF fills a unique niche by creating an Africa-wide network for information exchange and capacity building of conservation efforts in the region. ACF helps links African conservation initiatives groups and NGOs with the aim of strengthening their capacities, building partnerships and promoting effective communication and co-ordination of conservation efforts.

By Mahah Vladimire