Sustainable Run for Development (SURUDEV) has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to wetlands and fragile landscape restoration, receiving an award from the Cameroon Climate Journalism Network. The ceremony took place in Bamenda on Sunday, 2nd February 2025, as part of activities marking this year’s World Wetlands Day, celebrated under the theme "United for a Common Futurre.
Kari Jackson receiving recognition certificate
The organisation was selected for the award in recognition of its impactful work in watershed conservation, wetland management, and climate change advocacy. Through its initiatives, SURUDEV has contributed to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building among communities while addressing hunger and poverty. Its efforts in researching and conserving biodiversity follow an ecovillage development approach, aimed at meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the sustainability of life on earth.
Kari Jackson receiving recognition medal
Receiving the award, the Director of SURUDEV, Kari Jackson, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the visibility of their projects is a reflection of their tangible impact. He highlighted that for nearly two decades, SURUDEV has been actively engaged in conserving wetlands and fragile landscapes. Over the past three years, the organisation has focused on the restoration of the Njising-Tabenken forest, leading to the rehabilitation of over 100 hectares of degraded forest habitat, the restoration of ten severely degraded water catchments, and the creation of an ecovillage along with three permanent nursery sites, each capable of generating 40,000 native tree species for restoration.
Founded in 2007 and legally registered in 2010, SURUDEV is committed to transforming poor environmental and agricultural landscapes to improve livelihoods for underprivileged communities. Its mission is to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development while nurturing traditional wisdom and fostering progressive mindsets.
The organisation has trained 150 farmers in sustainable agriculture, including agroforestry, composting, market gardening, and permaculture. It has planted over 200,000 trees across 40 hectares in the Bamenda Highlands to improve soil health and restore degraded landscapes.
In supporting alternative livelihoods, it has assisted 200 forest users, including hunters, farmers, and grazers, in adopting sustainable income-generating activities. Working in collaboration with local councils and communities, SURUDEV has helped to protect ten water catchments in the North West Region. Additionally, it has established a three-hectare bio-demonstration farm, where 50 individuals have received practical training in cultivating crops such as garlic, onion, okra, watermelon, and pepper.
As climate change continues to pose threats to ecosystems and communities, organisations like SURUDEV remain at the forefront of conservation efforts. The award serves as an encouragement for more stakeholders to engage in the protection of natural resources and work towards a more sustainable future.
According to the president of the Cameroon Climate Journalism Network Tamukong Roland, the works of SURUDEV speaks volumes and this deserves this special recognition.
By Bakah Derick
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