Students from the Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Buea have enhanced their understanding of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This educational initiative was part of a series of talks held to observe World Environment Day 2024, which took place at UB Block G on the university campus.
The event featured a heated question-and-answer session with the South West Regional Delegate for the Environment, fostering a lively exchange between students and the delegate.
“The environment does not only concern the students. It concerns everybody because everything we do is centred around the environment,” said the president of the Environmental Science Students Association at UB, explaining the purpose of the gathering. “So I look at civil engagement, student engagement to see how they can contribute towards bringing a more resilient environment. It is very important and imperial that we educate them with these ideas to prepare them for the future ahead of them.”
Bryan, a third-year student of the University of Buea, shared his perspective: “It was really an inspirational session with the regional delegate. He taught us that we should not only focus on our school; there are more things we can do outside there. The partner that was here with us taught us that I can make money with the ideas I have at home. So what I am putting into practice now is the ways to recycle.”
Yolanda, a second-year student in the department, echoed the sentiment of unity and environmental responsibility: “I believe that we are one, and the environment is us. My first goal will be to create awareness in the general public, both young and old. I’ll also mobilize my peers to tell them how the community suffers from what we are doing.”
Highlighting the theme of World Environment Day, the South West Regional Delegate emphasized, “If we want the land to continue providing good services, we have to restore it, not only in terms of physical but also ecological. By restoring the soil, we can fight against drought and prevent the desert from advancing.”
The event underscored the importance of environmental education and active engagement in building a sustainable future.
