Since August 2024, the Network members of Korup United Association have continued demonstrating commitment, resourcefulness, and dynamism in their quest to surmount the impacts of the sociopolitical crisis affecting the Lower Guinea Ecosystems, the Korup National Park Landscape and its surrounding communities.
Against these odds, the Members of the Network have not only continued to raise the profile of this critical biodiversity hotspot but also supported ordinary people, many of them ex-personnel of the Korup Project (1986 – 2003), embodying the resilience and determination needed to "crowd out" the conservation and livelihoods challenges brought about by natural ageing and the crisis.
Some Achievements at a Glance
Despite challenges, Korup United members are establishing themselves as a scientific and technical Think Tank, contributing to knowledge and innovation in biodiversity conservation and community empowerment.
Some Key milestones include:
· The Korup Symposium (October -November 2024): Organized in partnership with the University of Buea – facilitated by ex-personnel and Korup United Members such as Chief Marcus Motove, Ekpe Inyang and Peter Sanga of Buea, University of Buea actors like Professors George Chuyong and Athanasius Nkwatoh and members like Dr Louis Besinga; funded through GIZ BioInnovation Africa Project, facilitated by Mr Okenye Mambo and Iyassa Mosua; with contributions from the PAMOL Management and the Mohammed Bin Zayed Conservation Fund; financial support from Korup United’s Diaspora, such as Mr Arrah Emmanuel in the USA and others. Over 101 participants participated in the two-days Symposium, with many of them coming from the hinterlands.
The Symposium produced:
· A comprehensive Strategy, Action Plan, and Marketing Communications Documents to guide future efforts.
· 19 high-quality Scientific and Technical Communications, setting the foundation for Conservation Science, Policy and Institutional Support, Community-led Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture in the ecosystem.
Scientific Knowledge generation has included Research Contributions by Network experts who have recently authored and published research works shared during the Symposium, including:
Off-shoots from the results presented and shared:
Mukete, Balemba, Momene, Aghomo, Mukete (2025); Hunter Perception and Population Dynamics of Red Colobus Monkeys in the Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve, South West Cameroon. Asian Science Bulletin
Mbile, Elomo, Langsi, Namaso, Motia (2025); Community-led Insights Reveal Hope for Red Colobus Conservation in Cameroon. In the African Journal of Ecology
Dr. Nangia Nakeli’s book, The Power of Nature. Revised Edition, 2025
Ekpe Inyang's collection: Tastes of Nature (Critiqued by Daniel Agoons)
Community Engagement and Partnerships are ongoing with partnerships and capacity building opportunities expected following the celebration of Mr Louis Nkembi’s ERuDeF’s 25th Anniversary. Mr Harrison Nnoko’s Fundraising drives through AJESH, and through the grassroots works of Civil Society organizations like the KRCS where Korup United’s Network members are actively engaging local communities and stakeholders.
· Korup United’s network members Dr Ogork Ntui, Dr Nanganoa Lawrence, Dr Okole Justin and Mr Molua amongst others, helped facilitate and delivered a technical presentation at the inaugural South West Chiefs Cultural (SWECC) Festival in December 2024, showcasing the potentials of the Network's impact and vision.
· Korup United Experts led the technical analyses of the USAID-Nascent Solutions Food Security Baseline for Mundemba and Bamuso (2024). This will support existing food security and agriculture initiatives under the caption “Feed Mundemba Initiative” supported by the PAMOL Management, Dr Ogork’s leadership of SOWEDA, Derrick Njemo’s vision as Divisional Delegate of MINADER Ndian, and IRAD Scientists of Kumba – Barombi Kang - all Korup United Affiliates.
· Under Protected Areas Management, network members in the capacities of Conservators like Mr George Langsi, of the Korup National Park, continue to fulfill their core mission of managing protected areas within the Lower Guinea forest ecosystem in the Southwest Region. Their expertise has bolstered regional conservation efforts and highlighted the importance of sustaining biodiversity amid challenges, supported by the new Forest and Wildlife Laws.
In the words of the Conservator Limbe Zoological Gardens, Dr EttaAgbor Hans such efforts must bear fruits, noting that, “The Law is our Friend”.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite its remarkable achievements in less than six months, Korup United continues to face delays in formalizing its registration as an Association in Mundemba, Ndian Division. This delay affects our ability to scale-up operations and secure long-term sustainability. Nonetheless, through the relentless efforts of its President Chief Ekue John EPIMBA, the organization remains resolute to overcome these challenges, to legalize the Korup United Association through the collaboration of local stakeholders and the Ndian Administration, thereby helping to expand its impact.
In Perspective
In perspective, Korup United is Engaging with the Diaspora and associates like Mrs. Henderson, born Martha TITA in the United Kingdom to re-introduce the plight of the Korup National Park to the King of England – a friend of the Korup National Park.
Korup United will engage with Nascent Solutions, PAMOL Plantations, SOWEDA, MINADER and IRAD in this new Year 2025, to deepen Sustainable Agriculture in the Ecosystem.
Korup United will engage with Institutions of higher learning (at home and abroad) Individuals, Networks, major Telecommunications Companies (e.g., MTN) and other Private Sector Actors in a new drive towards Encouraging Corporate Social responsibilities, and Philanthropy; while not neglecting traditional supporters, in an optimistic drive towards Sustainable Development in the Lower Guinea Ecosystem.
A Call to Action
Korup United’s journey is a testament to the power of collective action, innovation, and resilience. Stakeholders, partners, and supporters are invited to join this pioneering initiative as it strives to:
· Enhance the conservation of the Lower Guinea Ecosystem, the Korup National Park and surrounding protected and conserved areas.
· Empower communities to build sustainable livelihoods and improve food security.
· Drive scientific and technical advancements in community-led biodiversity, environmental conservation and management.
Together, we will ensure that the Lower Guinea Ecosystem and Korup United not only survives but thrives as a beacon of hope, resilience, and sustainability for the region.
For and on behalf of the Korup United Network.
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The Executive Team - Korup United.
Rising Together for People and Nature
Contact: info@korupunited.com
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