Minister of Environment and Nature Protection, Hele Pierre cuts ribbon to open the forum
Minister Hele Pierre in discussion with Harrison Nnoko at AJESH exhibition stands.
By Elias Ngalame
Cameroon researchers have demonstrated their talents and knowhow in genetic resource research. This was during the first ever national forum on genetic resources organized by the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection, and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) January 16 to 17, 2025 in Yaounde.
The forum was organized under the theme: “Discovering the hidden treasures of Cameroon’s genetic resources.”
Opening the ceremony the Minister of Environment and nature Protection, Hele Pierre, noted that the purpose of the forum was to “promote conservation, equitable benefit-sharing, economic development, research and innovation, as well as the protection of traditional knowledge in Cameroon.”
According to MINEPDED experts, genetic resources encompass plants, animals, and microorganisms, resources that are essential for biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, scientific research, local economies, cultural preservation, and ecosystem health.
“ The sustainable management of these resources is critical for a resilient and prosperous future. Genetic resources play a crucial role in several key areas vital to sustainable development and human well-being,” Minister Hele Pierre said at the opening of the forum.
The forum that targeted a wide range of stakeholders and experts involved in bioprospecting, research, and commercial activities related to the use of genetic resources, provided the opportunity for many University Institutions, NGOs, research centers to exhibit their research knowhow.
The National Forum also saw the signing of an agreement between the international firm BASECAMP Research and the government of Cameroon,through the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection, through four communities for the exploitation of genetic resources. Experts note that Cameroon has over 11,000 species which could be exploited according to the APA model “Access and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources,” and contribute to the country’s national budget.
The ceremony was highlighted by a tour of the exhibition stands of the different research and traditional medicine experts present at the ceremony.
According to Dr Aurélie Dingom Taylor, APA Focal Point/Inspector No. 2 Minepded and project manager of this scientific event, Universities and research institutes, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities and cooperatives, have all shown their know-how. A variety of products and innovations from genetic resources were exhibited. The University of Ngaoundere, Dschang, University of Buea, all answered present.
According AJEMALEBU SELF HELP,. AJESH one of the Civil Society Organisations present at the forum, working with University researchers and experts guarantees excellent results.
“ We have been working with the University of Buea for example to train young researchers in genetic resources and this far, the program has been moving on smoothly,” says AJESH CEO Harrison Ajebe Nnoko.
