International Day for Biological Diversity 2017
International Day for Biological Diversity 2017
Diversity in species, ecosystems and landscapes attracts tourism and promotes economic growth. In turn, a well-managed tourist sector can help reduce threats to key wildlife populations, and can maintain or increase biodiversity, through tourism revenue.
The celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism” was an opportunity for The Greens together with the Regional Delegation of the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development for the North West Region (MINEPDED-NWR) and Regional Coordinator of National Civic Service Agency for Participatory Development (NCSAPD), raised awareness of the important contribution of sustainable tourism both to economic growth and to the conservation of biodiversity of the Kilum-Ijim Forests in Oku Sub Division of Bui Division of the North West Region of Cameroon.
Departing from Bamenda to Oku as early as 7:00AM the team of three 4x4 Toyota Hilux Vehicles with 15 passengers on board hit the road to the Kilum-Ijim Highlands and at about 10:00AM they were welcomed by a team of more than 40 persons among them the Divisional Delegate of MINEPDED Bui Division, the Sub Divisional Delegate of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) for Oku Sub Division, Traditional Notables from Oku Fondom, Ecoguards of the Kilum-Ijim Plant Life Sanctuary, trainees of NCSAPD, members of of School Environmental Clubs, inhabitants of the local community and representatives of the civil society organizations in Oku Sub Division.
Group pick and sign post pick
At the entrance to the forest reserve, the team listened to a word of welcome from the Regional Delegate of MINEPDED and a brief presentation of the Kilum-Ijim Forest Reserve by the Ecoguards before the hike around the highland forest and lake which lasted more than 1 hour.
Hike pick
At the lake site, the team rested and listened to a traditional presentation that focused on the origin and history of Lake Oku and then a powerful presentation on “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism” from Mr. Ngalim Franklin (Mr. Green) of The Greens. The high point of Mr. Green’s presentation was focused on the biodiversity worth and the role of biodiversity in tourism and how tourism can foster biodiversity conservation and improve the lives of the people of Oku Sub Division. This was followed by a series of questions and answers and then refreshment.
The team then left the forest reserve to Oku Fon’s palace where they were warmly received by the His Royal Highness the Fon of Oku who also gave a brief presentation on the origin and history of Lake Oku as well as touched some aspects of the Oku people’s tradition. The traditional custodian of the Kilum-Ijim Forest Reserve thanked the team for their efforts in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism as well as tasked them to continue to remember the people of Oku in all their conservation efforts.
From Oku Fon’s palace, the team left for the Mayor of Oku and then the Divisional Officer of Oku Sub Division who welcomed and gave them a handshake for the good work they are doing in conserving the rich natural heritage of Oku Sub Division.
At this point, it was time to bid farewell to the wonderful people of Oku as the team led by the Regional Delegate of MINEPDED-NWR started their engines to hit the road to Bamenda, the Regional Capital of the North West Region of Cameroon.