Circa 4,000 seedlings of endangered and agroforestry tree species are now thriving at Voice of Nature (VoNat)’s nurseries in Ndongo and Bokova, Buea-Cameroon, ready to contribute to healthier ecosystems around the Mount Cameroon National Park. Funded by the New England Biolabs Foundation, the threatened tree domestication and agroforestry initiative of VoNat will provide communities with the exact tree species need to restore degraded soils, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. From Mahogany and Prunus africana, sour sop and acacia, these seedlings represent more than just trees, they are future forest cover, wildlife habitat, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
In Ndongo, VoNat’s Conservation team has spent months nurturing fragile seedlings of threatened tree species through daily watering, weeding, and shading, with vigilant monitoring to spot early signs of disease or pests. In Bokova, the final batch of Acacia seedlings, fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing trees, has just been potted, destined for integration into agroforestry systems that enrich soil and diversify farmer incomes.
“Most of the seeds we nursed survived and germinated because climatic conditions were favourable and we maintained close monitoring. Monitoring is essential, it boosts growth, prevents pest outbreaks, and helps us project future success accurately,” explained project team lead Dimla Robert.
Already, some seedlings have been distributed to farmers in Bwitingi, CEAC, and Bokova, where they will contribute to farmland shade, soil enrichment, and biodiversity restoration. The next phase will expand to households in Bonakanda and neighbouring communities, bringing conservation directly into local backyards.
By coupling scientific nursery care with community-led planting, VoNat is ensuring that each seedling has the highest chance of survival and maximum impact. This approach not only supports endangered tree species but also empowers farmers with the resources and knowledge to integrate trees into their livelihoods.