We are a team of self-motivated climate solutions enthusiasts from diverse professional background with a strong affinity to advocate, preserve and conserve the African environment through systematic thinking while working in line with national policies and international framework on climate change.
On 18th, March, 2023 Buea City (the capital of Southwest Region, southwestern Cameroon) experienced torrential rains that caused floods and landslides and resulted in casualties and damage. Unfortunately, not enough has been done in Buea to address the threats from volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes. The population of Buea needs to be sensitized to the impending dangers of natural hazards and encouraged to participate in implementing the adopted strategies to prevent and manage subsequent disasters.
In partnership with the department of environmental science from the disaster risk reduction program at the University of Buea, our team will visit affected communities of the Buea municipality where we will have focused group discussions with these communities to sensitize the population on the impending danger of hazards while encouraging them to participate in implementing adopted strategies to prevent and manage subsequent hazards. After having focused group discussions in each community, we will identify with the help of community members, and representatives who will form a disaster risk management steering committee within the municipality to prevent and manage disasters. A formal workshop at the University Campus will be held with the identified committee members to look into other ways to manage and mitigate disasters in their communities.
The creation of such a structure is a welcome relief to flood victims because Government machinery has often been slow and characterized by numerous administrative bottle-necks, hence the need for the local community-based approach. Our project is focused on creating solutions based on community ownership and consensus by preparing and increasing community awareness and building the capacity of local people to handle flood situations. Our discussions will cover topics around:
The project's overall goal is to engage the affected communities of Buea in constructive conversations about disaster preparedness, and emergency management and build their capacities to resist, adapt, accommodate, recoup, and thrive in the face of unexpected disasters.