The ERuDeF Institute of Biodiversity and Non-profit Studies (ERuDeF Institute) in collaboration with the Mile 18 community in Buea, July 9, 2016, planted over 450 trees around the Mile 18 water catchment to increase the quantity and quality of water from this watershed. The trees planted, are agroforestry species like luceana known for its water restoration and purification ability.
This gesture according to the Director of ERuDeF Institute, Akeh Nug, is to ensure adequate and regular water supply to the Malingo, Bomaka, and the Wonia Mavio communities in Buea.
“The quality and quantity of water supplied by this source is of great importance to these communities that had already begun experiencing drastic drop in supply during the dry season. Last dry season the catchment almost dried off completely. These trees will thus, provide protection to the catchment ensuring constant flow of water irrespective of season” the Director said.
The over 450 trees were planted by students of the Institute and the people of Wonia Mavio Mile 18.
This to the students was an opportunity to practice lessons on Water Catchment Protection and Management. “Successfully transplanting seedlings from open bed nurseries requires lots of skills and techniques. Protecting this water catchment through tree planting has given me the room to exercise my skills in this field” said Marie Ndutu, an undergraduate Agroforestry student at the Institute.
To the community members, planting trees around the watershed was their own contribution to protecting their main water source and the environment as a whole
“…… It does not only protect our water source but gives us the joy of participating in protecting our own environment” community members said.
Both students and community members pledged to monitor and take care of the tree planted till maturity.
Water catchment protection through tree planting aligns with the Institute’s objective to conserve Cameroon’s biodiversity as well as impact local communities across the country. The people of Mouckmbie in Alou Subdivision, Lebialem Division can boast of potable water supply in their village all year round thanks to trees planted around their major water catchment a few years ago.
