By Apongse Ateh
Support Humanity Cameroon (SUHUCAM) hosted a Lighthouse event at the Bamunkumbit community hall in the Northwest region of Cameroon, October 12, 2024. The event was in commemoration of Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day, attracting over 80 participants, including youth, women, and men from both the indigenous Mbororo community and the local population,. They all convened to discuss youth involvement in climate change practices and policies. Organized in collaboration with the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) and Global Center on Adaptation, the event was themed “Harnessing the Potential and Creativity of Young People for Innovative Community-Led Climate Adaptation Policies.” The program included diverse activities including: talks, breakout discussions, video projections, and tree planting activity. Key breakout topics focused on innovative strategies for building climate-resilient communities, the role of youth in influencing adaptation policy, and challenges and opportunities for young people regarding climate-resilient infrastructure.
The main objectives of the event were to raise awareness about climate change and climate change adaptation solutions, showcase innovative youth-led adaptation solutions and inspire the building of a grassroots based youth climate adaptation movement. The event also aimed to elevate the profile of climate adaptation and youth-led initiatives, linking their efforts to international platforms such as COP29 holding in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. Participants made several recommendations, including the establishment of a climate adaptation advocacy group where young people can learn about climate change from an early age, local government collaboration with youth groups to fund climate adaptation projects, and the organization of capacity-building events to educate youth on innovative technologies to enhance climate adaptation. Cost effective and easy to implement climate actions like tree planting and community clean-up campaigns were recommended to the participants.
During the event, SUHUCAM’s Coordinator Sunday Geofrey, outlined SUHUCAM’s innovative adaptation solutions in areas of water, climate smart agriculture and alternative livelihoods support. The event concluded with light refreshments and tree planting activity.
