In recent years, waste management has become a major concern in Bamenda, with streets increasingly littered and proper waste disposal systems faltering. The ongoing armed conflict, spanning over eight years, has exacerbated this issue, with city authorities pointing to the unrest as a barrier to establishing a sustainable waste management approach. Yet, in the face of this growing challenge, the Sweden Alumni Network Cameroon (SANC) has stepped forward with a timely initiative to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
The Sweden Alumni Network Cameroon began its "plastic-free week campaign" at Mile 4 Park in Nkwen, Bamenda. Inspired by Sweden’s proactive environmental policies, the campaign kicked off on Monday, October 21, 2024, and ran through Saturday, October 26, 2024. With a focus on educating the public about the impacts of plastic pollution, SANC aimed to engage the community in sustainable practices that could lead to lasting change.
Drawing from Sweden’s environmental ethos, where plastic-free campaigns are held annually, SANC designed the initiative to encourage the community to adopt habits that minimise plastic use and waste. By organising activities such as educational campaigns, community clean-ups, and sustainable living workshops, SANC hopes to create a shift towards eco-friendly practices. Participants were provided practical tips for reducing plastic consumption in daily life, such as using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, while advocating for a reduction in plastic packaging and the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
In the course of the week, the campaign saw over 30 volunteers participate in clean-up events, such as the #KeepMile4ParkFreeOfPlastics drive, in which they picked up litter around Mile 4 Park. The volunteers engaged passersby, sharing insights on the effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health and providing practical advice for reducing individual plastic footprints.
"We believe creating a sustainable future for Cameroon is essential. By promoting plastic-free initiatives, we can help to protect our environment and improve the quality of life for all." Promise Fornjum SANC Chairman said
According to Dr. Mediatrice Niendum, SANC's Treasurer, the campaign has the potential to inspire broader change while urging local residents to adopt sustainable habits.
Alongside on-the-ground activities, SANC conducted online educational campaigns, radio interviews, and public lectures to further reach and engage the Bamenda community. SANC’s leadership says these efforts were designed to instil a sense of environmental responsibility and demonstrate that small individual actions could collectively make a great impact.