The adverse effect of climate change in the form of increase temperature, heat waves, rashes and disasters like floods, landslides etc. are felt today than ever before, with children and youth bearing the greatest brunt. After over 6 months of experiential learning sessions about climate change and its impacts on water sources, agricultural production, human health etc., over 70 children in Buea on May 3, 2024, engaged in a tree planting campaign to fight against climate change and its deleterious effects.
Fruit trees, medicinal and ornamentals trees like apple (Malus domestica), soursop (Annona muricata), royal palms (Roystonea regia) and Calistermon (Calistermon viminalis) where planted in Government Primary School Ndong-Buea and the Molyko-Buea Integrated Health Center. Meanwhile, timber and medicinal tree species like mahogany (Moringa oleifera) and prunus (Prunus Africana) were planted along parts of the Ndongo river in Buea, South West Cameroon.
The tree planting exercise was greatly appreciated by community leaders. “We are very happy for this timely gesture. The temperature is increasing every day, and I am sure that these trees planted will help regulate it and protect the school buildings against strong winds. Please extend this gesture other schools in Buea and other towns in Cameroon,” Madam Nkengafack Celestine who is the head teacher of Government Primary School Ndongo
A Nurse at the Molyko Integrated Health Center, Nui Sandrine, noted that the trees planted will beautify the hospital and serve as a “nature air condition” for both the medical practitioners and patients.
VoNat will in the weeks ahead be engaging the same kids and youth in protecting the trees planted for increased survival rate. They will also be setting up a tree nursery to extend the tree planting campaign to other public spaces and water sources in Buea-Cameroon.