The Mayor of Tubah Council, Tanjong Martin Meshongong, has reaffirmed his municipality's commitment to environmental protection through an extensive tree-planting campaign marking World Environment Day 2026 in Bambili, the host city of the University of Bamenda.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with the University of Bamenda through the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa's Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) program, brought together council officials, university representatives, environmental experts, and residents in a renewed effort to promote sustainability and climate action.
Speaking during the exercise, Mayor Tanjong Martin dismissed suggestions that the trees had been donated, stressing that the council has consistently invested its own resources in environmental conservation.
"These are not provided or donated trees. We bought the trees we are planting. Since I started planting trees in 2013, no organization has ever provided me with trees," he said. "All the thousands of trees we have planted within the municipality since I became mayor have been bought by the council."
The mayor highlighted the critical role trees play in sustaining human life and protecting the environment. "Without trees, our lifespan will be shortened," he said. "Trees are the only machines that God created to purify the air that we breathe. They provide us with oxygen, beautify our streets and municipality, and improve soil fertility through their leaves, branches, and organic waste."
Calling on residents to actively protect the newly planted trees, the local development champion urged the community to regard them as members of their families. "We are appealing to the population to see the trees like their family members, like children," he said. "Nobody should touch a tree or destroy it."
The mayor revealed that Tubah Council has enforced regulations imposing a fine of 20,000 FCFA on anyone found destroying a tree, adding that several offenders have already paid the penalty.
At the event, Professor Ngwasiri Pride Ndasi, Associate Program Coordinator of TAGDev 2.0, said the tree-planting exercise forms part of the university's broader community engagement strategy.
"The TAGDev 2.0 program has a component that involves community engagement between the university and its host community," he explained. "For the outreach of the University of Bamenda, we are promoting greenery through tree planting and, importantly, tree maintenance."
Professor Ndasi emphasized that community ownership is essential to the success of environmental initiatives. "We need to plant the trees and ensure that they are maintained. Through civic education, we want the community to own the trees and protect them for the benefit of everybody," he said.
Beyond environmental conservation, the program also aims to improve livelihoods. According to Professor Ndasi, fruit trees were planted alongside ornamental species to create future economic opportunities for residents.
"We are also looking at economic empowerment through micro-projects developed in collaboration with the council, ensuring that young people contribute actively to the development of the local economy," he added.
The University of Bamenda, he noted, remains committed to ensuring the successful implementation of all promises made under the TAGDev 2.0 program, with the institution's leadership closely monitoring progress.
The practical aspect of the exercise was led by the Reforestation Tasks Force (RETAFO), the contracting firm responsible for supplying and planting the trees. Contractor Emile Berinyuy explained that two environmentally friendly species were selected for the project. Senna spectabilis and Lagerstroemia. "We have come out today to plant Senna spectabilis and Lagerstroemia, which are environmentally friendly trees," he said.
According to Emile Berinyuy, the species were chosen for both ecological and aesthetic reasons. Senna spectabilis provides long-term greenery and shade, while Lagerstroemia begins flowering after approximately two years, contributing colour and beauty to the landscape.
The trees are planted in an alternating pattern to create visual balance and maximize environmental benefits. "One will be a shrub with flowers, while the other will be a taller flowering tree," he explained. "Together they help make the environment greener and more beautiful."
The event was organized under the global theme of World Environment Day 2026, which focuses on climate action and environmental responsibility. The day is usually used to remind the population that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring action from individuals, communities, and governments alike.
Through tree planting, pollution reduction, natural resource conservation, and sustainable practices, communities can contribute to building a cleaner and more resilient future.
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