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Cameroon

Manoka Island

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Conservation benefit:Protection of 2,471 acres of mangroves for 25 years

Community benefit:Drinking water supply system, solar electrification, and training in soap-making

Date Approved: 02.2024

Energy

This project promotes sustainable energy production, helping reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and slowing global warming.

Mangroves

This project protects mangroves, which trap more CO2 than any other kind of forest and as a result, slow global warming.

Manoka Island is the site of vast mangrove forests and the habitat of African manatees, crocodiles, sea turtles, the ornate hornbill, African spoonbill, and Gabonese grey parrot, among many other species.

It’s one of Cameroon’s least developed islands, and most of the population lives below the poverty line. People gather wood, fish, and smoke fish for their livelihoods; trees are cut for everything from cooking to construction. There is no electricity.

The 500 residents of Manoka have a history of conservation action, including protecting sea turtle nesting areas, and banning the harvesting turtle eggs or eating of turtle meat. In 2017, they reached a five-year agreement with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife to create the 1,878-acre Manoka Community Forest. Management of the forest has been the responsibility of the community, with technical assistance from the government. However, actual protection of the forest has fallen short. The loss of mangroves is particularly concerning to community leaders.

A local nonprofit, Support for the Protection of the Environment and Development, or APED, is working with the community to create a 25-year management plan to protect 2,471 acres of mangroves. One person from each household attends planning and education sessions.

Of the island’s many pressing needs, the most urgent is access to clean water. The only wells on the island are at the military base and the Catholic church, so many islanders dig open wells, collect water from a polluted stream, or gather (unreliable) rainwater. Waterborne illnesses are rampant and have led to loss of life; children are particularly vulnerable. APED will drill boreholes for fresh water, provide solar electricity for 30 of the neediest households, and offer soap-making training as a livelihood opportunity.

Project Updates

June 2024

This project is just beginning. A planning meeting was held with representatives of our partner APED, community forest members, and Seacology’s field representative, J-Hude Moudingo. Field activities will start soon.

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