Fish processors trained on use of post-harvest equipment

Fish processors in the Limbe Municipality have received training on the use of post harvest fishing equipment.

The training which took place last January 20 at the Chamber of commerce was part of activities of the project to create an integrated coastal zones management plan for Limbe sponsored By the New Partnership for Africa, NEPAD and coordinated by African Resource Group Cameroon and the Limbe City Council.

The fish processors were drilled the background on the value of the training to the integrated coastal management strategy plan and the organisation of fish mongers.

Speaking during the event, the Regional Delegate of Environment and Nature protection, underscored the necessity to protect the environment while carrying out daily activities for sustainability by the fishmongers.

He called on the fishmongers to protect the environment especially the aquatic environment which is a major source of livelihood.

The Manager of African Resource Group Cameroon, Edmund Njoh on his part, gave a recapitulation of the December 29, 2014 stakeholder’s consultative meeting that launched the project.

According to him, the training is just one of the activities of the entire project and hoped that the participants will benefit from the knowledge to be distributed throughout the workshop.

He said during the last meeting, group discussions arrived at many recommendations which will help in the implementation of the project.

Meanwhile Kasmir Lyonga, Technical Director of the Limbe City Council, explained that they are strategising to make sure that the intended objective of the project is attained.

As a strategy, Casmir Lyonga said the council is working on a sustainable development policy, based on promotion of social settlement policy, that is; reinforcement of settlement already in urbanised areas; research on urban forms consuming less space, improvement in transport infrastructure and services etc.

He said the council is also working on the establishment of displacement and transport plan, the valorisation of the environment and living condition and developing a Local Environmental Plan.

A few fishermen, who had the chance to speak to THE SUN, expressed satisfaction of the training and pledged to follow the best practices in carrying out their activities along the Fish Value Chain.

Meanwhile in his key note address, the Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council, Motanga Andrew Monjimba, thanked NEPAD Agency for their contribution to the implementation of the Integrated Marine and Coastal Management Plan for the Limbe City Council.

He also extended his gratitude to the African Resource Group- Cameroon for their efforts throughout this plan, from inception right to the present phase.

Motanga added that the plan will not only improve the environmental policy, but will also improve the livelihoods of the community by preserving its sources, this , according to the Government Delegate, is in line with the vision of Government as seen by various texts emitted to this effect.

“I will like to cite Decree No 2013/0171 of 14 Feb/2013 governing the study of environmental impact on the society’ Motanaga said.