German-funded projects in South West hailed

South West Regional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife on Thursday October 8, 2015 drilled 17 German nationals who are all Country Directors for West and Central Africa of the German Development Bank (KWF) on the sustainable effort to conserve the Mount Cameroon Park and other parks in the Region.

The projects funded by the German Development Bank are closely coordinated by the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the South West Region (PSMNR-SWR) under the watchful eyes of the Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife.

After successfully involving the locals in the management of the various reserve projects, Eben Ebai Samuel was confident the goals of the projects are being achieved progressively.

He outlined the drift corridor management document being finalized, technical note on the creation of the Bakossi-Bayang-MboTechnical Operation Units finalised, open platform for consultation in all the parks which mitigate conflict in land use, conduct socio-economic meetings to transfer lay down modalities with Mayors and Councilors; among others.

Despite the advancement, working through the projects have not been a smooth ride as the Regional Delegate recalled setbacks pointing to land conflicts, encroachment to the various sites, differences in priority projects, among others.

“At times the community wants a Health Centre and we are out to provide only those things that will help them conserve the ecosystem. We have to sensitise them that the provision of a Health Centre is the sole prerogative of the Ministry of Public Health,” Eben Ebai told the delegates.

Questions and answers took central stage as the participants questioned the activities in the Korup and Mount Cameroon National Parks. Bessong Simon, Conservator of the Mount Cameroon National Park after providing a series of answers to the various questions; stressed that locals are increasingly being involved in the management of the various parks. As such; conflict resolution becomes easy to handle.