Voice of Nature (VoNat) has welcomed Alistair Theodore Morell from the United Kingdom as its first onsite international volunteer. Alistair is a final-year Master’s student in Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health at the University of Edinburgh. The VoNat team received him in Cameroon on February 1, 2025 for a 2-month internship programme that runs till March 31, 2025.
Alistair’s 2 months internship/volunteering at VoNat is focused on carrying out baseline studies for the development of the organization’s “Community First Conservation, Restoration and Livelihoods Development Initiative” in the Mount Mbam Area in the West Region of Cameroon.
” I have always wanted to work on a restoration project. When I came across VoNat’s work at Mount Mbam, I, therefore, saw it as a perfect opportunity for me to get involved with one. My final year masters thesis will be based on the work we are carrying out at the Mount Mbam area,” Alistaire Said.
Working with the VoNat team within the Mount Mbam Landscape in the West Region of Cameroon, has, so far, been “an unforgettable experience” for the UK student, who is in Africa for the first time.
“The days in the field climbing the mountain have been tough, but worth it! I have seen many species of birds, the local kingfisher is stunning! We also saw some velvet monkeys. So far, we have discovered that most people agree that some form of restoration is needed here; primarily reforestation since the landscape is very degraded,” Alistair noted.
According to the Executive Director of VoNat, Ndimuh B. Shancho, the successful recruitment of Alistair for the VoNat Volunteering and Youth Mentorship Programme in Cameroon highlights the organization’s capacity to host and manage international interns, volunteers and researchers from across the world. “Our Volunteering and Youth Mentorship Programme provides the opportunity for everyone both nationally and internationally to use their skills, knowledge, experience and resources to contribute to creating a healthy and safer planet for current and future generations, as well as put smiles on the faces of vulnerable children and women in forest communities in Cameroon. We hope this marks the beginning of more international volunteers coming into the organization for conservation, restoration and climate action programmes,” he added.
Alistair’s recruitment was facilitated through a partnership with the Global Diversity Foundation. VoNat has within the last 6 years trained over 500 undergraduates, postgraduates and young graduates across the world, through its Volunteering and Youth Mentorship Programme, in areas such as species conservation, climate action, landscape restoration, environmental journalism and youth leadership. The organization continues to offer a platform for individuals, both nationally and internationally, to use their skills and knowledge to create a healthier and safer planet for both wildlife and humanity to thrive.
By Jabi Katy Chale