The Executive Director of Voice of Nature (VoNat), Ndimuh B. Shancho, has enlightened youths and youth-led organizations in Buea-Cameroon on biodiversity conservation and climate crises, and how they can leverage innovative solutions to mitigate these crises. This was during a 1-day Conference at the University of Buea (UB) organized by Community Based Climate Association- (COBCA) in collaboration with VoNat and other environmental stakeholders, to mark the 2025 edition of International Biodiversity Day themed “Harmony with Nature and sustainable development.”
The workshop, which took place at the University of Buea had in attendance representatives from the South West Regional Delegation of the Ministry of Environment Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, students from the department of engineering and environmental science of the University of Buea and several youth-led environmental civil society organizations.
Speaking on the topic” “Diverse Youth-led Initiatives for Biodiversity & Climate Action: Inspiring Change Through Youth Innovation and Leadership”, Ndimuh highlighted the impact of biodiversity loss and climate crises on young people and shared key tech and innovative solutions they can leverage to make a difference. Besides the use of camera traps and drones to fight against biodiversity loss, the VoNat boss implored the youth and youth-led organizations to develop and or use innovative tools for conservation and climate education. This conference provided a space for the young students and activists to explore how youth-led innovations can respond to the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change
“You can use Virtual Reality to simulate endangered ecosystems like coral reefs and the rainforests for an immersive learning experiences or develop conservation and climate-themed games that teach through play. As tech enthusiasts you can also develop digital animation series by creating short animated episodes focused on specific conservation and climate topics and distribute via YouTube, TikTok, or educational apps to help us deter species depletion, and climate change and its impacts”, he explained.
Ndimuh implored the young conservationists and climate activists to collaborate and support one another, stay pro-active and invest in building their capacity, and ensuring effective branding and communication about their work to attract more opportunities and funding.
The conference left students with a challenge; to think critically about the spaces they occupy and the opportunities they have to foster biodiversity, whether on campus, in their communities, or through digital platforms. One participant described the experience as “an eye-opener,” noting how it broadened her understanding of the links between youth empowerment and climate action/biodiversity protection.