Environmental Protection

In addition to our work in agriculture, we are committed to promoting environmental protection and conservation. By advocating for sustainable land use practices, promoting “circular economy model” in the production and consumption of briquettes in place of firewood and charcoal to reduce pollution and felling down of trees, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, we strive to create a healthier planet for future generations.

Production and Consumption of briquettes using the
“Circular Economy Model”

In addition to our work in agriculture, we are committed to promoting environmental protection and conservation. By promoting bio waste (paper and saw dust) recycling using the “circular economy model” in the production of briquettes to be use in the place of firewood and charcoal for cooking to reduce pollution and felling down of trees, regenerate biodiversity while creating jobs for women, girls and youths to generate income and improve their livelihoods. We strive to create a healthier planet for future generations.

Women in Conservation

Through our women in conservation network, we advocate for sustainable land use practices, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity reaching over two hundred and fifty (250) households and one thousand five hundred (1,500) individuals in rural communities of the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon leading to a greater appreciation for the need to protect our natural surroundings, resulting to restoration of habitats and sustainable land management practices as well as resilience to environmental challenges.

Conservation of the Giant Africa Snail Achantina Achantina (AA) and Achantina Maginata (AM)

Considering the importance of snails as part of ecosystems, playing roles in nutrient cycling, soil aeration, cosmetics and food webs. However, the giant African AA and AM snail species are facing threats such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Conservation efforts are needed to protect snails and ensure their populations remain healthy.

WESAD used the approach of captive breeding and multiplication programs to snail conservation. These programs involve collecting snails from the wild and breeding them in controlled environments mostly at the back yard called “backyard snail farming” to increase their numbers. So far, twenty three (23) farmers have been trained on backyard snail farming to help prevent the extinction of endangered snail species and restore populations in areas where they have declined.

Research is also important for snail conservation and multiplication efforts. WESAD in partnership with the college of technology at the University of Bamenda study snail populations to understand their biology, behavior, Nutrition and habitat requirements with placement of 10 research students (3 undergraduate Students, 6 masters students and one Ph.D student). The information gotten from the research can help inform conservation strategies and improve breeding programs. WESAD look forward to sponsors who can fund research on snail genetics, disease resistance, and reproductive biology which can also be valuable for conservation efforts.

In addition to captive breeding and research, habitat protection and restoration are key components of snail conservation. WESAD looks forward to embrace partners who can sponsor activities in protecting natural habitats and reducing threats such as pollution and habitat destruction which can help ensure snail populations remain healthy and stable.

Overall, WESAD carries out a combination of conservation efforts, research, and habitat protection to conserve and multiply snail populations. By working together with scientists, conservationists, and policymakers it can help ensure the survival of these important and often overlooked creatures.

How Can You Help?

To scale up our results and impact, WESAD is requesting partnership for the following:
1. Funding for research and data collection: Donors can support our efforts by providing funding for research and data collection for our research on snails (AA and AM) to better understand the environmental issues we are working to address. This will help us develop more effective strategies and interventions.

2. Capacity building support: Donors can also help us scale up our impact by providing funding for capacity building initiatives, such as training programs for our staff and volunteers. This will enable us to strengthen our organization and increase our ability to implement projects successfully.

3. Support for advocacy and policy change: Donors can help us advocate for policy change at the local, national, and international levels by providing funding for advocacy campaigns and initiatives. This will allow us to influence decision-makers and create lasting change for the environment.

4. Funding for community engagement and outreach: Donors can support our efforts to engage with local communities and raise awareness about environmental issues by providing funding for community outreach programs and initiatives like the production and use of briquettes for cooking using the “circular economy model” to reduce the felling down of trees for fire wood and pollution. This will help us build partnerships with communities and empower them to take action to protect the environment.

Gallery

Numbers Reached

05

Farmers Group

02

Cooperatives

2840

Individuals

We envisage sustainable and peaceful communities where human rights and dignities are respected, providing equal opportunities for all through community participation to improve well-being and economic development.