Reflecting on 2025, Voice of Nature (VoNat) is proud of a year defined by impact, collaboration, and innovation. Across Cameroon, our community-driven approach to conservation and sustainable development demonstrated that lasting environmental change begins when people, especially youth, are empowered to take ownership of their landscapes. From degraded mountains to threatened wetlands, our work reinforced a simple truth: protecting nature protects communities, livelihoods, and the future.
Species Conservation remained a cornerstone of our mission. At Mount Nlonako, we collaborated with 15 communities and over 50 local leaders to map the habitats of the endangered Goliath Frog. Participatory conservation plans, grounded in local knowledge, have fostered community stewardship and suggested tangible community solutions to conserve these unique amphibians. On Mount Cameroon, amphibian surveys confirmed the presence of the African Common Toad, underscoring the ecological value of wetlands. Our fieldwork at Mount Mbam also highlighted critical primate habitats: although we sighted velvet monkeys, the remaining forest patches along streams were identified as vital refuges for these species, underlining the urgency of protecting and restoring these ecosystems. Educational sessions in schools emphasized the importance of primates for biodiversity and forest regeneration, fostering a culture of coexistence between humans and wildlife. Beyond wildlife, our threatened tree domestication initiative raised and distributed 1,000 seedlings of Mahogany and Prunus africana to households, which will reduce pressure on wild populations and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Community Engagement and Landscape Restoration amplified our impact. Over several weeks in the Mount Mbam landscape, VoNat conducted detailed surveys and participatory mapping with 60+ community members and local leaders. These assessments revealed extensive deforestation, bush burning, and soil degradation. Workshops empowered leaders and villagers to co-create land-use plans emphasizing reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry. Women played a pivotal role in designing sustainable firewood harvesting practices to protect biodiversity. In total, 3,870 agroforestry trees and 1,300 fruit and medicinal trees were planted, improving soil health, supporting sustainable farming, and increasing green cover in schools and households in the Mount Cameroon Area.
Along Cameroon’s coast, mangrove community conservation solutions mapping marked a major milestone. In the Tiko mangroves, VoNat engaged over 30 traditional leaders, community members, and mangrove harvesters in participatory mapping exercises to identify degraded areas, unsustainable harvesting zones, and priority sites for restoration. These consultations led to the development of community-led mangrove conservation solutions that will balance ecosystem protection with sustainable livelihoods. This initiative strengthened local governance, improved awareness of mangroves’ role in fisheries and climate resilience, and laid the foundation for long-term coastal ecosystem restoration.
Youth Engagement and Climate Action continued to inspire change. Over 120 young people led EcoKids campaigns promoting tree planting, forest protection, water conservation, and community clean-ups, reaching more than 1,000 residents. Hands-on waste management training equipped students with practical skills in recycling and reuse, linking urban stewardship to broader ecosystem and climate resilience. More than 300 youths gained leadership and conservation skills through internships, volunteer programs, and mentorship initiatives, preparing them to become the next generation of environmental champions.
Environmental Communication and Strategic Partnerships extended VoNat’s reach. Our media campaigns reached over 50,000 people online and 5,000 via radio and television, raising awareness about biodiversity and sustainable resource management. Communications Officer, Jabi Katy Chale, was recognized as a 2025 National Geographic Young Explorer, and VoNat became an official partner of the Cameroon Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) and Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA), cementing our position in national and global conservation networks. Executive Director, Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho, was honored by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network as one of 12 remarkable African youth for transformative climate action, highlighting the organization’s leadership in community-led conservation.
Our achievements in 2025 were made possible through collaboration with local communities, schools, government agencies, and international partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to Earth Rising Foundation, National Geographic Society, Re: wild, GEF, GDF, New England Biolabs Foundation, CDKN, MINEPDED, and countless local stakeholders whose support has been invaluable.
As we look to the future, VoNat remains committed to restoring degraded landscapes, conserving endangered species, empowering youth & women, and fostering sustainable communities. Together, we are building a greener, safer, and more resilient Cameroon, one tree, one habitat, and one community at a time. Read our 2025 Annual Report Here
Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho
Executive Director, Voice of Nature (VoNat)