YAOUNDE, Cameroon (PAMACC News) - Cameroon youths have expressed their interest in driving the green transition initiative , stepping up the challenge and leading initiative to protect Africa’s forest in particular and the environment in general.

The young scientists, researchers and students in forestry are touting their role as present and future force for change in the forestry sector in Africa.

They were speaking at a workshop organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in partnership with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) at the National Forestry School in Mbalmayo, Cameroon June 11-13, 2025

 In a vox pop, some of the workshop participants, highlighted their engagements in forest and environmental conservation through activism and advocacy, expressing the wish to beequipped  with skills and knowledge to better contribute in the global forestry discourse.

“ As a young researcher I have been working with others in my institution to implement innovative projects to biodiversity and natural resources. This training workshop will certainly improve my knowledge particularly in forestry issues  and assist me do my research work better,” says Prudence Bakari, young researcher from the Agricultural Research Institute for Development, IRAD.

IRAD she says promotes agricultural development, in the areas of plant, animal, fishery, forestry, environmental production, as well as food and agro-industrial technologies.

Students of the National Forestry School Mbalmayo also taking part in the workshop say it’s imperative for the youths to articulate and amplify their voices in the green transition drive.

“ Being a student in the forestry school already shows my interest in the sector. Trainings like this organized by African  Forest Forum comes to add to what we are learning in school and this will permit for better understanding of the intricacies involved in the forestry sector,” notes NguepiManfo Paul Martial, senior student technician in forestry and wildlife.

The youths also agree that their empowerment especially of young girls to become future leaders in conservation is ensuring sustainability and guarantee for a better future for Africa.

“ Empowering young women in forest conservation and climate change is the right solution in the right direction because women are a force to reckon with in any development drive, especially the fight against poverty in grass root communities vulnerable to climate change like the North and Far North of Cameroon,” says Yadjua Heidi, student of National Advance School PlytechnicMaroua.

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The training workshop according to AFF hinges on the fact that Green transition in the era of information technology requires tech savvy and innovative ideas of the youths, to better succeed.

“ These training sessions is expected to provide a platform for young people to articulate their voices improve on their technological knowledge for the future of forest and drive green economic opportunities,”  DrMoussaMassaoudou of AFF representative of the Executive Secretary  Prof. LabodePopoola at the workshop, noted in his opening address.

Environment science experts say the empowerment of youths to take up roles in biodiversity conservation in Africa has become imperative.

“The forest cover and its diversity in Africa is very important and the youths must be abreast with this knowledge to better protect and address the challenges,” say environment conservation experts Dr Peter Mbile.

Participants, aged 18–30, are expected at the end of the training to co-developed actionable solutions for pressing challenges affecting Cameroon’s forests, including deforestation, climate change, limited youth involvement in policymaking, inadequate funding etc.

According to research scientists DrChemukuWekesa of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute and also part-time lecturer TaitaTaveta University School of Agriculture,Environment and Earth Science, Kenya,biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic development are deeply interconnected. To deliver forest restoration and green transition goals, the ambition of the younger generation of scientists and researchers must be as big as the forest they must protect.

Professor Avana-Tientcheu Marie Louise, deputy country coordinator CIFOR-ICRAF, Cameroon and Associate Professor of Agroforestry and Forest Science, University of Dschang Cameroon underscores the need for young researchers in Africa to take the relay in sustainable forest management which is one of the key solutions in the fight against climate change.

 With rapid changes in technology, the current and future generation of scientists and researchers in Africa need the right skills and tools to adapt to the changes for quality results, Professor Avana said.

“ Training ensures quality results and this is the main goal AFF and partners want to bring in the forestry sector,” she says.