Capacity Building and Education in Mengame Gorilla Sanctuary

Capacity Building of CBOs and CSOs

Training needs of different organization will be identified and prioritised. Workshops and training sessions will be organized according to the need of the organisation. This is to strengthen their capacity in solving wildlife related issues as well as law implementation and decision making. Volunteers will gain hands on experience and knowledge in conservation

Community and School Education

Schools and communities will be visited to educate the pupils, students and local people on conservation of this unique great ape species. This will raise awareness and change their perception toward gorilla conservation. Lesson notes will be prepared by volunteers with the help of our environmental education specialists and the lessons delivered by the entire team.

Sightseeing

Before and after your stay, you can visit interesting places like the Zoo-Botanic Garden in Mvog-Betsi, Yaounde; the Reunification Monument; cultural sites in communities adjacent to the protected area.

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Volunteers gain exposure of conservation realities at the local level; they gain the opportunity to assist in community education and attend workshops and meetings with local communities and schools. Volunteers also receive training on best conservation practices and contribute to impact the lives of the local people. Forest adjacent communities learn a lot from community/school education provided by volunteers – and vice versa you can learn a lot from them.

The survival of gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates is threatened by agricultural encroachment (the conversion of forest habitats to farms and plantations), hunting, trapping, and growing illegal bushmeat market. With the help of past volunteers, ACF supported the Management and implementation plan of the Protected Area and now working to strengthen the capacity of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) in law enforcement, collaborative management and conservation importance to local development and livelihoods.

Field conditions

Volunteers will be staying in our tented camp along the riverfront. Usually each volunteer gets their own tent but might have to share if the need arises. The camp is basic but well established with some home comforts, like a seated toilet and a hot bush shower – which really makes a difference after a long hot day in the bush. There is a small kitchen where volunteers can cook their food over a gas cooker and sometimes there will be cook outs around the campfire. Refrigeration is limited so the diet is predominantly vegetarian. The project provides food for three meals per day, but the volunteers are welcome to supplement with some comfort foods like chocolate and crisps. Clean drinking water is available unlimited.

We use solar power to charge phones, laptops and torches. However, our solar system is not extensive so charging facilities are limited (particularly in cloudy weather) and will prioritise the project communications and work necessities. We employ full-time staff in all the camps in various capacities, including for security, so the camps are never unattended.

As we are in the African bush there is always the possibility of encountering wildlife, both big or small. On arrival all volunteers are given clear safety briefings to minimise any dangers. All management staff have basic first aid qualifications and the camp has a fully comprehensive medical first aid kit.

Languages: English and French

Age range: 18-70 years.

Group size: Max. 4 volunteers at a time.

Weather

Rainy Season: During the rainy season, there are heavy rains and temperature ranges from 20 to 25C and may go down to 18C. Some of your clothes may get wet if not fully protected in water proof nylon and may not dry up as fast as expected. It could be slippery and we advise to bring good rubber boots.

Dry Season: During the dry season the temperature is fairly high, up to 27C in the forest and communities. It is warmer in the communities than in the forest because of the trees, which give shade and also regulate the atmospheric temperature. Hiking in the forest during this season is much easier.

Topography

The area consists largely of gently undulating hills known as “half-oranges” due to their resemblance to that fruit.

Road network

The roads are good and accessible from Yaounde to Ebolowa.  From Ebolowa to the forest adjacent communities we take a dirt road. The roads are more accessibly in the dry seasons.  Please be aware that you may lose some hours because of the poor road network.

Lodge/ Hygiene and Sanitation

The lodging conditions changes as you approach the project sites.

In towns, there are clean lodges with water systems, toilets and shower baths. The hygienic condition of the lodges varies with the location.

In communities, there is poor hygiene in some community houses so stick to the advice of your field coordinator. You won’t find water system toilets, or shower baths. There are only pit toilets in the communities. You will have your bath in a stream or in the local hotel toilets using a bucket and drink bottle water.

Meals

Available meals are local traditional dishes depending on the area. We ensure that meals such as rice, pasta, beans, Irish chips, yams and plantains are available.  Be ready to taste new traditional dishes from the local Pygmies.

Lighting

There is no electricity in the communities, so do not expect to have lights. During the day, you will use sun light and at night you will use bush lamps or flash lights.

The Mengame Gorilla Sanctuary is located in the South Region of Cameroon. It is a transboundary Conservation Reserve that covers 130,000ha on both sites of Cameroon and Gabon. It protects one of the richest natural habitats in Africa as well as some 16 species of primate including the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).  Poaching and deforestation are the main threats to the species – this as a result of increase human population, lack of knowledge and ineffective transboundary collaboration.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

Yes, please send your flight itinerary to us at least two weeks in advance of the expedition start date. The volunteer coordinator or representative will meet you in the public area outside customs and bring you to your hotel.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

Please notify us as soon as possible and confirm your new arrival times so the expedition leader can arrange your transportation.

What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?

If you choose to spend time in-country before the expedition begins, please plan to meet your team at the designated airport or hotel within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program in order to be transported to the local office and the field sites.

Any qualifications needed?

No specific qualification is required to be part of this projects, but volunteers (18 to 70 years) must be highly motivated and physically fit as the environment can be demanding involving lots of trekking. Volunteers are coming from all over the world; students, workers and any other interested person(s); as individual(s) or in group(s), take part in this programme

What do I need to take along when coming?

These are some suggested items you may want to take along while coming to Cameroon for the programme. Not everything may be applicable to every participant.

• Digital Camera
• Lightweight, easily erected mosquito net-essential against malaria (not compulsory)
• Insect repellents
• Water purifying tablets/water filter
• Dental floss
• Tampons
• Binoculars
• Alarm clock
• Map distance learning
• Torch (flashlight) and spare bulbs and batteries to be used in the jungle, communities and even in the urban areas during electricity cuts
• Small towel to be used in the communities/jungle or in town for cheaper hotels that have none
• Earplugs for noisy hotels
• Plastic rain poncho/lightweight windproof waterproof jacket, which can double as a ground mat and is easier than carrying an umbrella
• Hat
• Penknife or Swiss Army Knife