IMPACTS
Interception of a network of wildlife smugglers in the Deng-Deng National Park
In 2024, with support from the Tortoise Conservation Fund (TCF) and Rewild, FReECo implemented a project for the conservation of the Home’s Hinge-Back Tortoise. With collaboration between the Ecoguards and FReECo community rangers, the team intercepted a team of bushmeat and wildlife derivative smugglers. The dried wild animals comprised of 32 different pieces with species like pangolin, duikers, antelope, monkey, red river hog; that were all well dried and destined for the bushmeat market.
Pangolin rescue and reintroduction
The rescue of a white bellied Pangolin was one of the first direct conservation action that was undertaken by FReECo. The rescue occurred at the Bangem local market where we noticed that the market was also flooded with different species both dead and alive. Pangolins are one of the endangered species that FReECo gives a high priority for their welfare due to the species solitary and defenceless nature. Their role in the wildlife, especially as ecological regulators and habitat boosters for other species like the aardvark calls for the need of their protection. It was a recorded success for FReECo to purchase this specie from the dealer as a means to avoid conflict. Today, we have no doubt that this specie is thriving well in its habitat in the Deng-Deng National park, Eastern region of Cameroon.
IWL network clampdown and suppression of Bushmeat market
Through investigations and key informants, FReECo was able to get information about a group of local poachers in the Mount Cameroon National Park, South West Region of Cameroon that were specialised in the trade of elephant tusk (ivory) and other endangered species. We were able to provide intelligence to the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF), and the Ecoguards agents succeeded to intercept a huge traffic of ivory. In the Deng-Deng National Park where we work closely with like-minded local guides, species that were killed and prepared for bushmeat marketing was also intercepted. These action have served as an eye opener to other poachers and dealers in the illegal wildlife trade and no doubt, a contributing factor to the welfare and stabilization of elephants and other species population in the Mount Cameroon and Deng-Deng National Parks.
Kick-off of Muanenguba Mountains Restoration
We have successfully restored over 28 hectares of the degraded landscape of the Muanenguba Mountain. This area has been experiencing high rate of forest fires caused by the Bororo settlers who graze their cattles in this area. This unsustainable practice scared away several species and considering the fact that the landscape is a wetland volcanic area with two crater lakes; different birds, reptiles and amphibians that found refuge in this area were scared away. He are proud to have set the pace for the regeneration of this natural ecosystem that is watershed to the entire Bangem sub Division. Our community awareness programs have also been very instrumental in contributing to these efforts
Quarter 9 Bomaka Women CIG empowerment in Agroforestry and sustainable livelihood practice
Bomaka Women Common Initiative Group is a local women development CIG that is engaged in agricultural activities. This group of women have been carrying out farming in agrarian farming with the intentions of getting profits, but their methods have been unsustainable both to the environment and to their incomes. FReECo, was the first NGO to build the local women’s capacity in sustainable rapid income generating activities by cultivating short seasoned crops. This has enabled us to support them in vegetable cultivations and other cereal crops like maize in a large scale with limited human labour. Our current target for this group of women is to ensure that their livelihood and income situation is gradually being improved with minimal loss of energy and stress