In an effort towards environmental conservation, the Banyo Council, in partnership with Graine de Vie Cameroon, a non-profit nongovernmental organization (NGO) has successfully nursed 50,000 trees across the municipality. This achievement was celebrated on Thursday, August 1, 2024, during a visit by François Yoboh, the National Coordinator of Graine de Vie Cameroon to Banyo.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Banyo, El Hadj Garba Soule, the Yaboh met with the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mayo Banyo, Gall Charles for a brief presentation before proceeding to the council hall, where they were greeted by staff, organization members, and residents eager to hear about the project's progress and future plans.
Mayor Soule proudly announced the nursing of 50,000 trees in five different areas of his municipality since the partnership with Graine de Vie Cameroon began in 2021.
“In my municipality, they have nursed 50,000 trees in five nurseries managed by five nurserymen and a coordinator they employ. They have also trained 500 beekeepers,” he shared with Hilltopvoices Newspaper and Hilltopvoices TV.
Highlighting the broader impact of these efforts, Mayor Soule added that "this is important for us because it will fight against bushfires, poaching, and desertification. It will provide food and money to the population and improve our local economy.”
François Yoboh, during his presentation, emphasized Graine de Vie Cameroon’s commitment to fighting climate change and desertification. He praised the decentralized cooperation initiative, which promotes development and international cooperation. He also noted that the Banyo project is the first in Cameroon funded by the Ministry of Cooperation of Luxembourg Development, a feat facilitated by Mayor Soule's efforts in securing the necessary funds.
SDO Gall Charles, who attended the ceremony, described the partnership as essential given the current climate challenges Banyo faces, such as the delayed onset of rains. He commended the collaborative efforts of the Banyo Council and Graine de Vie Cameroon in addressing these environmental issues.
Coinciding with Yoboh’s visit was the presence of a delegation from the Bamenda III Council, in Banyo to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Banyo Council. Together with the mayors of Banyo and Bamenda III Councils, the SDO, and other officials, Yoboh visited the new nursery within the Banyo Council premises, where 10,000 tree seedlings are flourishing.
This according to the coordinator is a step in the ongoing efforts to enhance environmental sustainability in Banyo. The Graine de Vie Cameroon partnership with the Banyo Council is a demonstration of how collaborative efforts can lead to substantial positive changes in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development in Cameroon.
By Bakah Derick in Banyo
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