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[/one_third]Some nine individuals in Mbetta village, headquarter of the Upper Mbo clan in the Kupe Muaneguba Division have been selected to form the Forest Village Management Committee. The selection was supervised by the leader of the village, Fon Feven and Esembieng Vincent emerged as president.
The committee which will be responsible in ensuring the effective protection and management of natural resources in the proposed Mak-Betchou Chimpanzee Sanctuary was formed on August 19th in a meeting organised by ERuDeF’s Education for sustainable Development team led by Ndip Emmanuel.
The formation of such a committee it would be recalled is mandatory for the creation of any protected area according to the Forestry and Wildlife Law of Cameroon. The objective is to empower the local population to fully participate in all the stages and activities relating to the classification of protected areas in Cameroon.
During the meeting, the Education Officer shed light on what a sanctuary is and the different animal species in the area. He equally explained to the people the importance of a sanctuary, as well as benefits that can accrue to a community once created.
Having followed the lectures, the leader of Mbetta, Chief Foven said ‘I think this is the time to wipe out every single doubt away from my people concerning the sanctuary and also explain to them the benefits that can come to our community once the sanctuary is created”
Speaking during the meeting, the Education officer emphasized that in order for the sanctuary to be created, there is a need for the community to collaborate with the government, as well as taking part in the entire process.
The members of the committee agreed to support government services for the proper management of the natural resources of their village, as well as facilitating the process of creating the proposed Mak-Betchou Chimpanzee Sanctuary. “We are all ready and willing to support and assist ERuDeF in struggle to preserve our forest. I feel privileged to have been selected to be an ambassador of conservation for my village and I am positive the creation of the sanctuary will go hitch free” Fotabong Hilary Fometie, the Vice President of the Mbetta Village Forest Management Committee said.
Emmanuel Ndip
