Combating Climate Change One Tree at a Time: CEMASUDEV Establishes Orchard, Plants 150 Trees at GBHS Atiela

Combating Climate Change One Tree at a Time: CEMASUDEV Establishes Orchard, Plants 150 Trees at GBHS Atiela

Usman Ndembe, Staff writer | The Muteff Factor 

In Muteff, a resilient village nestled in the Ijim hills near Abuh in Fundong Subdivision in the Boyo Division of Cameroon's North West Region, elders often recall how giant trees once stood guard over farms, streams, and homes. During heavy rains, their roots held the soil firmly in place. During the dry season, their shade offered relief to farmers returning from the distant fields. But as many of those trees disappeared over the years due to uncontrollable human activity, erosion deepened, water sources dwindled, and the community began to feel the growing effects of environmental degradation. It is this reality (increasingly visible across many parts of the North West Region in particular, and Cameroon in general), that continues to inspire environmental champions to restore nature and safeguard future generations.

Driven by this vision, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (CEMASUDEV), on Thursday, June 11, 2026, carried out a major tree-planting exercise at Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Atiela in Nkwen, Bamenda. The initiative saw the planting of 150 environmentally friendly trees as part of activities marking the continuation of the celebration of World Environment Day observed on June 5, 2026.

Leading the exercise was the Chief Executive Officer of CEMASUDEV, Fuchi Emmanuel Diangha, accompanied by a team of environmental experts. Upon arrival at the institution, they met with the principal, teachers, students, and prospective students to explain the objectives of the project, which are centered on environmental protection and combating climate change.

Before presenting the tree-planting package, Fuchi Emmanuel engaged the students in an interactive session to assess their understanding of the importance of trees. The students impressed him with their responses, highlighting the role of trees in combating erosion, desertification, landslides, floods, and destructive winds.

Encouraged by their knowledge, the environmentalist further elaborated on the numerous benefits of trees. He explained that trees provide oxygen, food, medicine, shade, flowers, fuel, energy resources, and construction materials. Beyond these benefits, they play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

According to him, the trees being planted at GBHS Atiela will serve multiple purposes. Some will provide shade for students and teachers, others will beautify the campus through flowering species, while several will act as windbreaks to protect school infrastructure from violent storms that have damaged roofs in many communities.

To support the initiative, the school administration allocated a section of land for an orchard where fruit trees such as pears, guavas, mangoes, oranges, and other species will be cultivated. By taking this forward-looking decision, both the administration of GBHS Atiela and CEMASUDEV embraced the globally acclaimed concept of "Education That Pays for Itself." This is because beyond their environmental value, the fruit trees are expected to become economic assets for the school community in the years ahead. The orchard will provide fruits for students and staff while surplus harvests could generate income to support certain school activities and environmental projects. In this way, the initiative combines education, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment, giving students practical lessons in sustainability, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

“During this first phase, we are planting 150 grafted fruit trees, including pear, guava, mango, orange and other varieties to ensure higher productivity and better results,” Emmanuel Diangha stated.

Beyond Atiela, he revealed that CEMASUDEV intends to intensify its interventions in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. As a member of the North West Regional Assembly, he stressed the importance of helping communities anticipate and prepare for the growing threats posed by climate change.

He observed that many people invest in homes, farms, and community projects without adequately considering disaster risks. He therefore called for the integration of preventive measures against floods, landslides, strong winds, and other climate-related hazards into development planning.

Reacting to the gesture, the Principal of GBHS Atiela, Benyella Godwin Tafoang, expressed profound gratitude to CEMASUDEV and its CEO for translating environmental advocacy into concrete action.

He described Fuchi Emmanuel Diangha as a passionate environmentalist whose commitment goes beyond speeches and awareness campaigns. According to the principal, the shade, fruit, and medicinal trees donated to the school will have lasting benefits for both the institution and future generations of learners.

“These trees will one day provide shade across the campus, produce fruits for students, and contribute to protecting school buildings from strong winds,” he noted.

He further commended CEMASUDEV for its outstanding work in environmental protection and called on all stakeholders to join the global fight for environmental sustainability.

“The battle to protect our planet is one that humanity cannot afford to lose,” he emphasized.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Binwie Ashley expressed appreciation to CEMASUDEV for selecting their school for the project. She assured the organization that students would take ownership of the initiative and ensure that the trees are properly nurtured and protected.

Since obtaining official legalization in 2021, CEMASUDEV has steadily expanded its environmental footprint across the North West Region and beyond. The organization has intervened in more than twenty-one communities through conservation projects, environmental monitoring, and technical support for community forest management initiatives in areas such as Laikom, Awing, and Fundong. It has also trained local communities in the development of Environmental Management Plans aimed at promoting sustainable resource use.

In addition to its field activities, CEMASUDEV has distinguished itself through multimedia environmental advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and the distribution of educational materials designed to foster environmental responsibility among citizens.

The tree-planting exercise at GBHS Atiela therefore represents more than a symbolic gesture. It is an investment in the future — a reminder that every tree planted today is a step toward a greener, safer, and more sustainable Cameroon for generations to come. Through the establishment of an orchard that can eventually sustain itself economically, the project also demonstrates that environmental protection and community development can go hand in hand, creating benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.