Ecological Balance Cameroon has launched the planting phase of its projects known as The Nkambe River Revival Forest, a large-scale initiative aimed at bringing communities together to revive water resources, restore ecosystems, and build a sustainable future for the communities of Nkambe.
The launch was done in June 2024 by Ecological Balance Cameroon, a nongovernmental organisation with head office in Buea.
Gathered for the launch ceremony were the Divisional Delegates of Environment Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, Forestry & Wildlife, Urban Development, and Agriculture , community members, students and children, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the region. Over 52,000 trees were planted across an estimated surface area of 17,396m2
“We are turning discussions into action,” said the Divisional Officer for Nkambe Subdivision , Boukar, while officially launching the project, adding: “We are hopeful that this project will address the water scarcity problem in Nkambe.”
The Nkambe River Revival Forest is an ambitious project with a tripartite aim: To restore degraded forest ecosystems and bring back biodiversity, improve access to clean drinking water in areas where water bodies are drying up due to decades of poor land management and to create the infrastructure around these activities, which in turn will generate and sustain jobs for local people.
Officials and stakeholders planting trees in Nkambe
Eco Balance’s ambitious plan targets planting over 200 million trees across 10,000 hectares in the Donga-Mantung Division, with Nkambe serving as the starting point. The project utilises the Miyawaki method, a proven technique that involves planting a dense mix of native tree species at high densities (3-5 trees per square meter) to accelerate forest growth and significantly improve groundwater recharge.
“This project offers sustainable solutions to Nkambe’s water crisis,” said Eco Balance Head of Operations, Njiafu Benardin. “The Miyawaki method has been tested worldwide and demonstrably recharges groundwater at three times the rate of traditional methods. We will keep up with monthly monitoring and cleaning to ensure trees thrive”.
The project is a collaborative effort between Eco Balance and the Nkambe Council. Hajara Danjuma, the 1st Deputy Mayor of Nkambe, highlighted their commitment, stating: “Eco Balance is here to assist the council in replenishing Nkambe’s water levels. We will ensure a significant number of trees are planted, and we promise to take care of them and maintain water levels.”
The project is a welcome intervention for Nkambe residents who have grappled with water shortages for years.
“I am doing this not for myself but for those coming behind me,” said Mbah Ivo, a youth from Nwayo. “During dry seasons, we travel 3-5 kilometres for water, and during rainy seasons, we collect rainwater to survive.”
The Fon of Nkambe, HRH Fon Nfor Amidu, expressed the community’s appreciation for the project. “We are happy to receive these environmentally-friendly trees that will provide shade, improve water security and provide other environmental benefits. In the past, we cut down eucalyptus trees without replanting. Now, we will protect these new trees to ensure their survival.”
Thanks to funding from SUGi, the Nkambe River Revival Forest Project signifies a promising step towards a more sustainable future for Nkambe and its people. By combining community engagement, innovative reforestation techniques, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, the project offers a path towards restoring water security and a thriving ecosystem.
A network of 13 community nurseries established before the planting phase will provide native saplings for the project’s ongoing needs.
By Andrew Nsoseka
