Belo, NW region:

Climate change ambassadors groomed

By Jean Marie Ngong Song

A Belo-based NGO dubbed Synergy of Actions for Development and Education for All, SADEA-Cameroon has trained some 82 climate change ambassadors on the necessity to plant trees to curb climate change in Belo and the world over. The training took place at the Belo council hall on 12 March 2016. Jointly sponsored by Plant-For-The-Planet, SEDEA-Cameroon and PLAN International-Cameroon it witnessed the participation of delegates from 12 schools within the Belo council area.

                According to the main facilitator at the one day workshop, ClaranceAlem-MbomSongbi, the objective of the workshop was to train participants to become ambassadors of climate justice. He said upon return to their respective schools the trainees are expected to replicate the knowledge gained and share it with their colleagues.

                Organized by plan Cameron and the Belo council, the initiative also seeks to source funds to plant trees with a view to curbing the effects of climate change.

                On why the workshop in Belo, Clarence said “Belo sub division is situated at the foot of the Ijim Mountain which is the source of all water that flows throughout the council area and that due to wanton deforestation the water table has dropped. We are also aware that climate crisis is a threat that cuts across all the sustainable development goals.”

                “After this training we expect the children to see the need to plant trees and follow-up their growth. We want children between 9 to16 years to know that they are the leaders of tomorrow and that the trees they plant today is for their benefit tomorrow,” ClaranceAlem-MbomSongbi added.

                The trained climate change ambassadors are expected to form ‘environment clubs’ in their respective schools and use the manuals provided to teach their peers.

                Coming at a time when the Belo council has also embraced climate change activities, officials of SODEA-CAMERRON said they will expand the initiative to also involve the council so as to add impetus to what the council is already doing.

The 2nd deputy mayor of the Belo council, Emmanuel TifuAwosang said it is the policy of the council to patronize initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.

                “Climate change is a global issue that affects all communities. Its effects in our council area have become so evident especially as our water catchments are beginning to dry up. When you do not have water you do not have life and so there is every need for us to protect our water sources,” the mayor said.