Voice of Nature (VoNat) recently took part in a two-day workshop on “Plastic Pollution: Laws, Policies, and Actions”, held in Buea from July 25–26, 2025. The event was organised by the Foundation for Environment and Development (FEDEV) and partners, under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED).
The workshop sought to enhance the capacity of environmental civil society organisations (CSOs) by deepening their understanding of national and international laws and policies on plastic pollution. It also promoted practical approaches to sustainable waste management, equipping participants to contribute more effectively to the global push for a plastic-free environment.
VoNat was represented by its Climate Action Programme Coordinator, Nwanja Jane-Lena, who described the experience as highly enriching.
“I was not aware of some of these regulations, and most CSOs are not. This training helped me better understand the legal framework around plastic pollution in Cameroon. I believe it will enable me and my organisation, VoNat, to hold accountable the institutions responsible for regulating plastics,” she said.
The event also provided a platform for civil society to consolidate a unified position ahead of the upcoming INC-5.2 negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty, scheduled for August 5–14, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Justice Barrister Sama Nchunu, Executive Director of FEDEV, highlighted the urgency of the issue:
“Civil society organisations from around the world, including Cameroon, will be present at the Geneva negotiations. It is important that we meet here to review our contributions, adopt a common vision, and advocate for a legally binding treaty. Our streams, gutters, runways, and marketplaces are clogged with plastics. Flooding is worsening, and statistics from the Ministry of Environment show that Cameroon generates over 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually.”
Through Lena’s participation, VoNat reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and to intensifying the fight against plastic pollution. By building knowledge, uniting voices, and pushing for stronger legal measures, VoNat is helping pave the way for cleaner and healthier communities across Cameroon.
Jabi Katy Chale