BERUDEP believe that eco-tourism is inevitable in an area like the North West of Cameroon with its forests, hills, views, wildlife, small traditional villages, culture and a friendly population.

Eco-tourism brings with it, economic development and this is where BERUDEP feel that they have a place in managing the development of eco-tourism in the North West. This management will ensure the environment is not further destroyed by the tourism industy, that whole communities will have access and will gain benefits from opening up their land to travellers and that done correctly, eco-tourism can have a positive effect on both the culture of the local people, on the income generation opportunities of the communities and for the environment.

Some of the development projects that BERUDEP have already successfully completed are:

Abuh forest

Where the planned development of walking routes was successfully completed taking into consideration the safety aspects required such as safety rails installed at all unsafe areas, steps dug in on all unsafe slopes, crossings made over swamps and waterfalls.

It was agreed that the forest workers would do the labour using only natural materials found in the forest and that all guides, forest management and labour receive adequate return for their work.

BERUDEP were able to assist in the discussions that allowed the above to be completed and will continue to provide free guide training, promotion and marketing of the forest tours and the selling and organizing of the tours and treks

Should Abuh Forest prove successful, the aim will be to develop other Forests in a similar process.

Anyajua waterfall viewing point

The planned development of Anyajua waterfall included a short access path, safety rails and viewing platform for the waterfall on the way to Anyajua.

This development provides benefit to the local community by:

• creating a natural beauty spot for all to enjoy
• attracting tourists along this walk route and therefore generating income
• generate an increased interest in the whole Belo area for tourists

Community involvement was considered essential for the success of this project. Meetings were held with the 2nd class chief and on agreement that the development would greatly benefit the local community the project began. The land belongs to one of the quarter heads who was present at the meetings and he gave permission to develop the path through it.  It was organised that the chief, his quarter heads and the local community will clear a path and pave the way, levelling the path and strengthening it with stones. This was the beginning of the various tasks that were required to get the viewing platform to its finished stage.

It was through this collaboration wtih the local community that Anyajua viewing point was installed and considered a successful project by BERUDEP, the local community and tourists.

Belo refuse collection and disposal project

Tourism naturally increases the amount of refuse being created. However Instead of this being a disadvantage to the local community BERUDEP believes it provides an opportunity to create an effective refuse process that will reduce and improve the current pollution being created through the lack of any current process.

Still in progress the Belo rufuse collection and disposal project consists of the following:

• A workforce of 2+ workers be employed by Belo council to collect non-biodegradable waste from residences in the Belo area to be taken for either landfill or recycling
• An area be made available for waste management and landfill
• A collection of non biodegradable refuse from the streets and roadside in Belo area
• A management plan be implemented for safe disposal and recycling of all types of waste
• Public bins be placed in urban areas for non biodegradable waste
• Public awareness of the damage to the environment and long term effects of dumping/burning non biodegradable waste
• That Belo is used as a model example to other councils on responsible waste management

The implications of not having a responsible waste management program in Belo would incur:

• serious damage to the natural environment
• poor farming in years to come as the plastics and non biodegradable waste sits in the soil
• polluted rivers and streams endangering water supplies
• a devastating effect on the tourism market in future years
• an eyesore to all the rural population who have to live in a rubbish dump
• damage to livestock and wildlife
• damage to our children’s futures

The cost to the council for this waste management project will depend on the level of seriousness they take in recycling, public awareness, man power and the area covered.

These are just the bare essentials for a very basic waste management system, however the project can be as big as a council sees fit.  Bigger projects could include:

• More manpower to cover a larger area and provide a better service
• Another horse and cart to be more effective and be more flexible
• A vehicle to be more effective and flexible
• A waste separation system to recycle different types of waste
• Recycling systems for compost, glass, metal, textiles and paper
• A JCB digger/bulldozer for effective landfill
• Comprehensive public education/outreach program on all of the above

If you are interested in the Belo refuse collection and disposal project, contact us today for more information.

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