Why Mount Cameroon Needs Us Now
Mount Cameroon — Africa's highest peak west of the Rift Valley — is surrounded by some of the continent's most biodiverse and ecologically significant landscapes. But decades of agricultural expansion, charcoal production, and unsustainable land use have left vast areas degraded.
The consequences are visible and urgent: reduced water retention, declining biodiversity, increased soil erosion, and shrinking forest cover that communities depend on for livelihoods, water sources, and climate resilience. Without intervention at scale, these trends will accelerate.
Community-Led Reforestation at Scale
The 100,000 Trees campaign does not rely on hired planters. Instead, it mobilizes community members, schools, youth groups, and volunteers to plant and nurture trees in their own areas — creating direct ownership of the restoration process.
We use native species selected for ecological suitability and community benefit, working with local agronomists to ensure trees are planted correctly and cared for during the critical first years of growth. Each planting site is monitored for survival rates and ecological health.
Timeline
Campaign Launched
Official launch with community mobilisation events across Buea and two surrounding villages. First 5,000 seedlings prepared at the MCYCF nursery.
✓ Completed20,000 Trees Planted
First major milestone reached. Three community planting days held with 800+ volunteers. Tree survival rate above 85% at 90-day assessment.
✓ Completed50,000 Trees — Halfway
Halfway milestone reached. Campaign expanded to four communities. School environmental clubs actively participating in maintenance and monitoring.
✓ CompletedExpansion to Five Communities
Fifth community site activated. Total active planting area now covers over 200 hectares of previously degraded land.
✓ Completed75,000 Tree Target
Planned expansion with two additional community sites and a dedicated school nursery programme for ongoing seedling production.
↗ Upcoming100,000 Trees — Goal Reached
Campaign completion and long-term stewardship handover to community forestry groups trained by MCYCF.
↗ Target
