Southwest SG Calls for Joint Action Against Illegal Wildlife Trade
“The killing and smuggling of protected species have undermined the ecosystem and depleted our precious biodiversity.We all have to get engaged in fighting against this.”
This message was echoed by the Secretary General at the Southwest Governor’s Office, Mr. Clement Fon Ndikum, while representing the Governor at the 44th World Environment Day Celebrations in Buea.
Organised by the Southwest Regional Delegation of the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) in collaboration with the Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF), this year’s edition was commemorated under the theme “Zero Tolerance to Illegal Wildlife Trade.”
Speaking during the celebration, Mr.Fon Ndikum implored Cameroonians to change their habits and behaviours. He urged everyone to jealously protect all species under threats for future generation.
“This exercise has to start with animals in your locality because the extinction of local species adds up to global extinction. In this way, you will be showing zero tolerance to the illegal trade in wildlife” he said.
The Southwest governor’s representative said the theme for this year’s World Environment Day comes at a time when the government of Cameroon is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to conserve biodiversity and particularly the rich wildlife that has made Cameroon an enviable tourist destination.
Besides Putting in place policies, increasing conservation campaigns and investment in community and law enforcement, Mr Fon Ndikum said the Cameroon government has over the years taking a series of actions aimed at combating illegal wildlife exploitation and trade
“Our efforts in conserving these wildlife species is visible with the creation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in 1992, and its subsequent separation in 2005, enactment of forestry law in 1994, enactment of environment law in 1996, ratification of convention on biodiversity in 1994, and the ratification of the convention on international trade in endangered species in 1975”the SG explained
The Southwest Regional Delegate for Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Mr. Set Ekwadi Set, on his part expressed dissatisfaction at the rate at which wildlife trade is driving many species including Rhinos and Tiger toward extinction.
He warned that investment, corruption, in differences, medical use and cultural believes should not be allowed to endanger any fauna and flora in the country.
This year’s edition of the day was spiced with cultural displays, drama/sketches, quizzes, poetry dramatization and choir numbers all highlighting the need for behavioural change in favour of wildlife conservation. National NGOs on their part, set up exhibition stands highlighting their contributions in wildlife conservation, fight against climate change, Environmental protection and sustainable development
Prior to the World Environment Day, MINDEPDED, University Environmental Associations and some national NGOs visited the Limbe Wildlife Centre to see some wildlife rescued from illegal trade and hunting activities both in and out of Cameroon
The 2016 World Environment Day Celebrations in Southwest Cameroon culminated in a symposium at CRTV Buea highlighting the roles of various stakeholders in fighting against illegal wildlife trade and exploitation in Cameroon.
By Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho
