Communities adjacent to the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, proposed Mak-Betchou Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tofala-Mone East Corridor Rainforest Community Conservation Project, have been sensitised on the importance of protecting the environment in the face of increasing global threat from climate change. The Manager of the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Programme at the Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF), Mr Samuel Ngueping, was speaking to the communities during a sensitisation tour organised recently.

Using Biblical quotations the ESD Manager frowned at unsustainable practises carried out by communities in this area that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.

“It iswritten in the book of Genesis that God created all living things including the water, the earth and all the biodiversity that it contains. God also created man, putting him in charge of all creation. Unfortunately, some people use their wisdom to destroy the environment rather than protecting,” Mr Ngueping said.

He implored the population to shun unsustainable environmental practices and engage in conservation and sustainable management of natural resources for a long term reward.

Speaking on behalf of the Besali people, Pa Tayem Joseph appreciated ERuDeF for enlightening them on the danger that awaits them as a result of unsustainable environmental practices. He promised to adopt environmentally friendly actions.

“I thank God for being here today because I have learnt a lot. I shall make sure I put into practice the things I have gotten here today. Top on my list will be to avoid slash and burn. Also, I shall make sure the trees in my community are managed in a sustainable manner,” Pa Tayem said.

Thrilled by the exposition on the effects of his action on the environment another participant from Bokwa village in Upper Banyang, Ndem Thomas amongst other to stop cutting down trees and polluting the environment.

The communities sensitised included Abebue, Fonven, Mbetta, Mouck-bie, Ngwangong, Mouck-leteh, Mbelenka, Nkong, Besali, Bechati and Folepi, in the Lebialem Division. Meanwhile, those in the Upper Banyang Subdivision of Manyu Division were Kendem, Bokwa, Etoko and Egbemo. This sensitisation was carried out with support from Tusk Trust.

By Samuel Ngueping