Southwest Regional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife, Mr. Issola Francois Dipanda has extended words of appreciation to the Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF) for her enormous contribution in saving biodiversity hotspots, and fragile ecosystems in Cameroon.
Mr. Issola was speaking, Thursday September 22, 2016, during his first official visit to the Organisation since he took over office as Southwest Regional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife a few months ago.
After listening to presentations from various Heads of Departments in the organisation, the Regional Delegate said the Organisation stands tall among NGOs in the Region with progressive pass marks since its creation some 17 years ago.. He said the NGO has not only contributed enormously in improving the livelihoods of many communities living around protected areas, it has also facilitated the creation of protected areas.
“I am very impressed with the different activities you are engaged in. You have greatly helped to protect our environment, conserve the already endangered wildlife species and bring about sustainable development to our local communities and I must commend your efforts” Mr Dipanda Francois applauded.
He promised to strengthen collaboration between his ministry (MINFOF) and ERuDeF, calling on the Organisation not to relent efforts in ensuring that existing protected areas are well managed and new ones identified and eventually gazetted.
Representing the President/CEO of ERuDeF, the Senior Director of Internal Operations, Mr. Tangie Charles thanked the Delegate for his visit and fervent collaboration over the years.
“We are particularly happy with this first of its kind visit. We see it as a recognition of our efforts and a sign of encouragement. We doff our hearts to MINFOF for the collaboration over the years. Though challenges still abound as communities are resistant to curb some practices due to ancestral ties and links, we promised to double efforts in protecting our rich natural habitats and changing the lives of many” Mr. Tangie said.
As to his vision for the Region, the Delegate said his focus is transforming South West into a green and rich biodiversity Region. This, according to him, means the planting of more trees, identification and creation of more biodiversity hotspots, protection of more mountains, regulating farming activities, protecting environment, and ensuring increase water supply and fishes in the Region.
He advised those carrying out illegal activities in the Region in particular to respect the law and carryout sustainable exploitation of natural resources. “People must change their mentalities that destroying the environment is bad for mankind” he said.
The visit comes on the hills of a maiden contact tour that took the Delegate and his team to the different Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Southwest Region who are engaged in environmental protection, fighting against climate change and promoting local community development.
By Queen Achingale
