The Tiko mangroves, once a thriving coastal ecosystem, are vanishing at an alarming rate. Overexploitation and unsustainable harvesting have forced local mangrove cutters to travel several kilometers further each day just to meet their needs. At Kuwait Beach, one harvester revealed: “We have about 25-30 boats here, each carrying 400 logs of mangroves per day. This is our life, but we can’t keep going like this.”
The reality is clear: the mangroves cannot survive without alternatives for the people who depend on them. Many harvesters are eager to leave mangrove cutting if provided access to sustainable income through agriculture, animal husbandry, or small businesses. Yet without support, their hands remain tied, and the forests continue to shrink.
“If I had another source of income, I would leave this place today. I love agriculture, anything from crop cultivation to large-scale animal rearing. There’s even land available for rent nearby. I just need a chance to work there sustainably,” said another harvester at Kuwait Beach.
Communities urgently need livelihood support to break the cycle of overharvesting and protect these vital ecosystems. Programs that promote agriculture, micro-enterprises, or community-managed resources can empower harvesters to choose a sustainable future over short-term survival.
The Voice of Nature (VoNat) team, with support from the Global Diversity Foundation (GDF), recently visited Kuwait Beach to engage harvesters directly and understand the threats they face. This visit followed a participatory workshop bringing together traditional leaders, community members, and harvesters to co-create local solutions for mangrove conservation.
Through these efforts, VoNat is working hand-in-hand with communities to develop a community-led conservation action plan. This roadmap will guide the restoration and protection of the Tiko Mangroves, ensuring that both the coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods they sustain survive for generations to come.
The story of Tiko is a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about protecting trees, it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive alongside nature. By investing in sustainable livelihoods today, we empower communities to become stewards of their environment, turning the tide for the mangroves of Cameroon’s coast.
Partner with VoNat to reverse this plight and support sustainable futures for both people and nature.
By Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho