As part of efforts to boost conservation and reduce pressure on illegal forest activities, Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, BMWS under the Program for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, South West Region, has trained thirty Non Timber Forest Collectors on the production of bar soap, liquid soap and bleach.
The three days training that took place recently in Bangem was organized for women from six villages (Nguti, Ntale, Bambe, Bejange, Muazetob) of the Nguti Cluster, BMWS.
Speaking at the start of the workshop, the conservator of the sanctuary, Yves Nathan Mekembom said the training is in line with the collaborative management of natural resources.
He said the objective is to improve the livelihood of people living around the Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary.
The conservator added that they focused on women for the training because the collection of non-timber forest products is mostly carried out by women.
According to Mekembom, the training will improve biodiversity conservation because when women have alternative livelihoods, they will reduce pressure of illegal activities in the sanctuary.
He encouraged the women to practice all the skills acquired promising that they shall set up a monitoring mechanism for sustainability.
Meanwhile the Community Development Officer, CDO of the sanctuary, Esong Vitalise Akime said besides the training, they have given the trainees start up materials to go and begin their small businesses at home.
He said they plan to organize the women in cooperatives so that collection and sales of non-timber forest products can be done in an organized way for greater profitability.
Also speaking to The Ultimate, the trainer, Ako Policap Eyong said the women have been given enough knowledge to produce bar soap, liquid soap and bleach.
He advised the trainees to always read their manual to guide them in the process of production.
Reactions
Ngone Beatrice from Bambe village thanked Bayang Mbo for empowering them with income generating skills which shall go a long way to transform their lives. She promised that as she concentrates to produce detergents, she will no longer go to the forest again.
Etuge Linda from Muazetob village said from the skills acquired, she will train all women in her village so that collectively, they can generate income from soap making. She promised that she will no longer carry out illegal activities in the sanctuary.
Also, Esong Grace from Bejange village, Nguti Cluster thanked the conservator for empowering them with the poverty alleviation skills. She said with the startup materials given them, she will grow the business to a larger scale and expand her brand as well.
By Olive Ejang
