Bakossi National Park, a protected area under the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, South West Region, PSMNR-SW in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, has organized week long activities to boost biodiversity conservation within the park.
The ceremony took place from July 11 to 17, 2024 in Ndibse and Elah villages, Bangem Sub Division, under the theme, “Promoting the Traditional and Cultural Heritage of the North East Cluster Villages through Biodiversity Conservation”.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at Ndibsi-I, Elvis Ngome Kome, Community Development Officer, CDO of Bakossi National Park on behalf of the Conservator, Tchapda Pachong Sidoine, welcomed delegates from the fourteen villages of the South East Cluster of the park.
He lauded the participating villages for all activities towards the success of their awareness campaign on conservation education.
He said by utilizing culture, sports, and animation, Bakossi National Park aims to create a multi-faceted approach to sensitization.
Through these efforts, we hope to instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the rich biodiversity within the park, ultimately contributing to its long-term conservation”. He added.
Meanwhile, Chief Ndode Tobias Ewang, General Secretary of African Millennium Development Network, AFRINET and partner of the PSMNR-SW, Bakossi National Park, in charge of social mobilization of cluster villages of the Park, was satisfied with the massive turnout of the population.
He said Bakossi National Park is making commendable efforts to raise awareness and promote sensitization about the importance of biodiversity conservation. He said they are using various means, including culture, sports, and animation, to engage and educate the public.
“Culture plays a significant role in shaping people’s perspectives and values. By incorporating cultural activities and traditions into their conservation initiatives, Bakossi National Park helps connect the local community with their natural heritage. That is why we had traditional dances, storytelling sessions today showcasing the park’s biodiversity”. He added.
The Conservation Education Officer for the PSMNR, SWR, Chief Inyang Zachary Ekpe in the ecosystem game organized at the ceremony, showcased how living and non-living organisms of the Bakossi National Park are connected and how they can be conserved and preserved.
He was happy that the football competitions engaged young people and promote the message of biodiversity conservation and protecting the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Prize Award
In the male football competition, Ndibsi-Mualong Hub silenced Enyandong-Elah Hub by two goals to nil. Meanwhile In the female football match, Ndibsi-Mualong Hub and Enyandong-Elah Hub pulled a zero-zero tie.
All teams received cash prizes from Bakossi National Park. Prizes were also awarded to traditional dances and individuals who have contributed to conservation efforts in the park.
It should be noted that the event started with an internal meeting on the review of cluster management issues and Bakossi National Park activities.
Present at the event was WWF Landscape Officer for Bakossi National Park and Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, Ngueping Samuel, Apella Magellan, Community Development Technician of Bakossi National Park, chiefs, cluster presidents, cluster supervisors, amongst others.
From Ndibsi I, the second lap of sensitization took place at Ekanjoh-Bajoh, July 17, 2024 with similar activities.
By Olive Ejang
