From July 20 to 27, 2024, CBPP and CAMBIO came together to organize the Cultural Week of Conservation in Mbakaou and surrounding villages. This vibrant week-long event combined sports, training, and community engagement to highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity in the Mbam Djerem National Park (PNMD).
With the theme “Conservation of key habitats and species, a challenge to be met together,” the initiative aimed to raise awareness, especially among young people, while showing how conservation can connect with everyday life and culture. At the same time, it offered opportunities for communities to participate directly in conservation practices.
Conservation on the Field: The Football Tournament
The heart of the week was the Conservation Football Tournament, held at the Kingue Eboué stadium. Eight teams—representing Mbakaou, Naskoul, Djaouro-Kombo, Carriere, and Aviation—competed with energy and passion.
Each match brought in nearly 500 enthusiastic spectators, mostly youth, who not only came to cheer but also to learn. In fact, between games, awareness messages were shared by children from the Wildlife Center, and announcements reinforced the slogan:
“Conservation, a collective challenge.”
The presence of local authorities and traditional leaders gave the event a strong sense of support and legitimacy. Moreover, at the end of the tournament, many young people pledged to be part of efforts to protect PNMD.
Empowering Women Through Skills
Cultural Week was also a chance to empower women. CBPP and CAMBIO led a hands-on workshop on making cleaning products, including liquid soap, powder soap, vinegar, and bleach.
Not only did participants leave with samples, but they also gained practical skills that can serve as a source of income, reducing reliance on exploiting natural resources. As a result, many women expressed strong interest in continuing and expanding this training in the future.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Children from the Wildlife Center in Myere were at the heart of the activities. Thirty-five young participants took part in an excursion where they learned about park missions, GPS use, compass navigation, tent setup, and safety practices like wearing life jackets. Through this experience, their interest in biodiversity grew even stronger.
In the same spirit, a Conservation Evening brought together families at the Mbakaou chiefdom. Children performed songs, dances, sketches, and poetry. Fun competitions—such as quizzes on biodiversity, the “Best Awareness Message” contest, and even the election of Miss and Master Conservation—turned conservation into celebration. Parents filled the venue with pride, applauding both their children and the organizers.
Looking Ahead
This first edition of the Cultural Week of Conservation left a powerful mark on the community. Authorities, players, and families alike encouraged CBPP and CAMBIO to continue and expand the initiative in the years to come.
Overall, the event showed that conservation can be both educational and unifying. Looking ahead, the community hopes for even bigger editions, with more villages and more opportunities for collaboration.
As one participant summarized: “This event shows us that our involvement is essential for the protection of the PNMD.”
We look forward to seeing you at the next Conservation Cup—a celebration where culture, sport, and biodiversity come together for a common cause.