Cameroon:PCC Partners With Gov’t To Fight Climate Change

By Christopher Ambe Shu

The Presbyterian Church In Cameroon (PCC), with a membership of over one million Christians, is leaving no stone unturned in its resolve to promote environmental protection. As such, it has signed a tree-planting protocol with the National Forestry Development Agency (ANAFOR), headquartered in Yaoundé. ANAFOR is a public institution charged with environmental promotion- by supporting reforestation and promoting forest plantations in Cameroon.

By the convention, ANAFOR shall give full technical support to PCC in its tree-planting project, and build the capacity of PCC technicians on environmental protection. ANAFOR shall also contribute to enhance the PCC as an environment-friendly institution

In his opening remarks at the signing ceremony, which took place recently at the PCC head Office in Buea, Rev Dr Festus A.Asana, PCC Synod Clerk, noted, “We have to be caretakers of God’s Creation, not abusers or destroyers; We are not only out to preach the Gospel but to live it”.
The Synod Clerk stressed that, addressing the concerns of climate change is not an individual, but a collective responsibility. The PCC, he said, continues to stand on the forefront in the development of communities. He said it was not the first time the PCC was getting involved in tree- planting. “ANAFOR has only come to encourage the PCC to restart its tree nursery project, which was kind of in slumber”, he said

For his part, Njombe Ewusi, Deputy- General Manager of ANAFOR, who sat in for the General Manger, lauded the PCC for its environmental protection efforts. Mr.Ewusi noted that the PCC “is elaborating a seven-year environment plan, and tree-planting is part of it.”
He added that tree planting is one of the ways to fight the effects of climate change, largely caused by man’s activities. Mr. Ewusi echoed an earlier remark by the Synod Clerk that, environmental protection requires collective responsibility.

Mr. Denis Kumbo, PCC Development Secretary signed the Memo of Understanding for his institution, while Mr. Njombe Ewusi, did same for ANAFOR, as officials of both institutions, journalists and members of the Public witnessed it.