In line with individual and collective efforts towards the preservation of biodiversity from local, national to international levels, some communities in Douala are steadily making strides. Three communities in the economic capital were earmarked for the pilot phase of the "Waste to Wealth" project financed by the European Union and Comic Relief, alongside two other African countries, Uganda and Nigeria.

The three-year project is implemented by the Living Earth Foundation Cameroon alongside its United Kingdom and Uganda agencies. Geared towards attaining Millennium Development Goals 1 and 7 which stress on reducing extreme poverty, famine and nature protection, 51 participants of a three-month training course received their end-of-course certificates during a solemn ceremony on Wednesday July 3.

Regrouping local administrative and municipal personnel, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs operating in waste management, the programme aims at improving on the medical and environmental facilities in these municipalities; strengthening public-private partnership as well as boosting the activities of social enterprises operating in this sector.

So far, many associations, Common Initiative Groups and enterprises are engaged in waste management and transformation, to promote employment, economic growth and sustainable development of the environment. The three beneficiary communities include New Bell, Camp Yabassi and Newtown Airport for Douala II; Soboum and Song Mahop representing Douala III; with Bonaberi Grand Hangar and Bonassama Vallée for Douala IV.

Addressing the recipients, the Wouri Divisional Delegate for the Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, Jeanne Peck, urged the actors to acquire legal documents so as to attract government's assistance. The creation of the Ministry of the Environment, she said, underlies the indispensable role nature plays even on human existence, reason why all and sundry need to work hand-in-glove for its preservation.