Project Title: Transforming Communities through Nature Conservation
From Fellowship to Fieldwork – Transforming Communities through Conservation
In 2022, Fontoh Desmond Abniwi, founder of Cepow Cameroon, joined ISA Germany as a fellow with a bold vision: to turn his small but determined NGO into a powerhouse for environmental education and grassroots conservation.
Over several months at ISA Germany, Fontoh received intensive support to refine his ideas, design impactful interventions, and strengthen his organizational structure. The result? A robust ISA project that has since evolved into a national model of community-based conservation in Cameroon.
What started as a fellowship has become a movement — one rooted in youth leadership, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
🌍 What Fontoh Achieved Through His ISA Project
- 25 Eco Clubs Founded Nationwide
Youth-led green hubs established in schools to promote environmental education and activism. - 500 Children Trained
Hands-on environmental education delivered to kids aged 6–15 through tailored workshops and school programs. - Environmental Curriculum Development
Co-authored a national Environmental Education Manual with ISA Germany — now pending approval for integration into Cameroon’s school curriculum.
Environmental Clubs - Wildlife Corridor Research & Advocacy
Led a 23.12 km feasibility study for a corridor between Mbulu and Kagwene sanctuaries — vital for gorilla and chimpanzee conservation. - 35,000+ Trees Planted
Through reforestation campaigns in the Chomba Community Forest and along key wildlife corridors. - Community Conservation Groups Mobilized
Launched 10 grassroots groups and trained 25 local biodiversity monitors to ensure long-term sustainability. - Sustainable Agroforestry and Income Creation
Established five nurseries for NTFPs, creating both environmental and economic value for rural families. - Empowering Women Through Regenerative Agriculture
Trained 30 women directly and supported a seed bank benefiting over 300 — plus launched a cooperative for savings and credit access. -
Vegan Campaign - Vegan Kids Project
Promoted plant-based nutrition in 5 schools and 50 households, supported by the creation of 10 home gardens and 5 school gardens. - 100,000 kg of Plastic Waste Collected
Led community cleanup and recycling efforts; trained 100 youth in converting waste into paving blocks. - Global Recognition
ISA Fellow | CEE Fellow | NAAEE Fellow | Okwelain Fellow
Member of AWF and WWF platforms | Named among Top 100 Young African Conservationists
