FAP NGO Report

Forest and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP) Leads Grassroots Environmental and Economic Revival in Cameroon with a project titled: “Tree Planting and Beekeeping for the Rehabilitation of Degraded Watershed/Water Catchment Areas”. With financial support from UNCCD G20 GLOBAL LAND INITIATIVE SMALL GRANT

Forest and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP), with financial support from the UNCCD G20 Global Land Initiative Small Grant, has successfully implemented a transformative project titled “Tree Planting and Beekeeping for the Rehabilitation of Degraded Watershed/Water Catchment Areas” in Baligham Village, Santa Sub Division. This initiative stands as a remarkable example of how grassroots action can restore degraded ecosystems while improving livelihoods and strengthening community resilience.

Over recent years, watershed degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable land use practices have threatened water security, biodiversity, and economic stability in Baligham and surrounding communities. In response, FAP partnered closely with the Baligham Village community to rehabilitate critical water catchment areas, promote environmental stewardship, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

A major achievement of the project was the successful restoration and protection of five hectares of degraded water catchment area. Through collective effort, the project demarcated and fenced the catchment area using manual measuring tools and barbed wire, formally securing it against encroachment, grazing, and further degradation. This milestone established essential protection infrastructure for long-term conservation.

The project exceeded ecological restoration expectations by planting 2,200 indigenous tree species within the protected zone. These trees are expected to significantly improve water retention, reduce soil  erosion, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. By restoring native vegetation, the project actively contributes to healthier ecosystems and long-term watershed sustainability.

Community ownership was central to the project’s success. FAP organized a large sensitization meeting that engaged 64 participants, including 27 women, 17 youths, 15 men, and 5 traditional authorities. This inclusive participation strengthened awareness of watershed conservation, climate risks, and the importance of sustainable resource management. It also ensured that local stakeholders became active custodians of their natural resources.

To increase project visibility and transparency, one project signpost was produced and installed, publicly identifying the conservation site and reinforcing accountability. 

Recognizing that environmental conservation must be linked with economic opportunity, FAP integrated livelihood development into the project model. Thirty farmers and Water Management Committee members received hands-on training in agroforestry and beekeeping. These trainings equipped participants with practical skills to adopt sustainable farming methods, diversify income sources, and reduce dependence on destructive activities such as deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources.

To support implementation, six beehives were supplied and installed around the catchment areas, while five kilograms of agroforestry seeds were distributed to participating farmers. Beekeeping offers a sustainable income stream through honey production while encouraging forest protection, as healthy ecosystems are essential for bee productivity. Agroforestry practices similarly improve soil fertility, crop yields, and household food security.

Additionally, the project established a proactive community-based fire prevention mechanism. Thirty- seven community members were mobilized to conduct fire tracing activities around the protected catchment area, reducing the risk of bushfires that could undermine restoration gains. This intervention further strengthened community resilience and environmental protection.

Project Milestones Achieved:

1. Community sensitization meeting successfully conducted with broad stakeholder representation. 

2. Project signpost produced and installed. 

3. Five hectares of water catchment area demarcated and fenced. 

4. 2,200 indigenous trees planted for ecosystem restoration. 

5. Agroforestry and beekeeping training delivered to 30 beneficiaries. 

6. Six beehives installed and agroforestry seeds distributed. 

7. Community-led fire tracing system established.

Conclusion

FAP’s Baligham project demonstrates the power of integrated environmental restoration, community engagement, and livelihood development. By combining watershed rehabilitation with sustainable economic opportunities, the initiative has created lasting environmental and social benefits. Baligham Village now serves as a model for community-led resilience, showing how local action can restore ecosystems, secure water resources, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.

[Blog preview photo credit: blog author Jaff Francis Agiamntebom]