By Shuimo Trust
The Environmental and Rural Development Foundation joined the world on April 22 in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the World Earth Day under the theme “Climate Action”. The ceremony started with a symposium on ERuDeF’s local theme of the World Earth Day; “Change Management in a Changing Climate.”
According to the president/CEO of ERuDeF, Louis Nkembi, 2000 trees will be planted across their principal landscape for ecosystem restoration which is the Mt. Bambotous Landscape, and about 200 trees will be planted in selected water catchments in the Buea municipality.
He also noted that, ERuDeF will be launching an essay competition on the impact of the Cameroon Anglophone and COVID-19 crises on the environment in Anglophone Cameroon. This essay shall carry a cash price of about $ 2000 and shall be awarded on June 05, 2020, that corresponds to the world Environment day.
ERuDeF also visited the Wotolo Community Water Catchment, planting some trees (prunus africana), and promising to work with the community in sustaining and preserving the water catchment. According to the coordinator of the Wotolo Water Project, Chrisantus Anye Akama, this water catchment is the safest water source in Buea. He recounted how they have been suffering a lot in their neighborhood because of lack of potable water.
“The community has been going through a lot of hurdles because we don’t have clean water to drink. We are blessed with this natural stream which we can harness to be able to provide water for the community.” He noted they have about 500 houses in their community and about 2000 people will benefit from this water project if harnessed. “We thank ERuDeF for coming with this tree planting exercise. When they plant these trees, we are going to protect this environment and secure it from encroachment from animals and people.”
