Conservation Roots Alliance, CRA

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

07/05/2025

🍯 Honey keeping Baka Culture alive in the Dja Rainforest 🌿
For the Baka people of the Dja Rainforest in Southeastern Cameroon, honey is more than just food, it’s a vital part of their diet, culture, and way of life. The Baka can spend long days in the forest, sustained only by eating wild honey. Traditionally, they gather honey in two ways: by digging into the ground or climbing tall forest trees to reach the wild honey. CRA team has had the privilege of following some of the Baka people into the forest, where we witnessed firsthand their traditional method of collecting wild honey from the tallest trees, an act that connects them deeply to the land and their heritage.
While many still hold fast to these traditions, some Baka elders have shared with CRA that climbing trees is becoming physically challenging as they age, yet their need for honey remains just as strong. That’s why CRA is partnering with some Baka communities in the Dja to introduce modern beekeeping techniques and supply modern beehives. By blending tradition with modern techniques, CRA aims to support food security and ensure cultural continuity for future generations.

Stay tuned for updates..
https://conservationrootsalliance.org/

22/04/2025

🌍 Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet 🌱
This Earth Day, under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” Conservation Roots Alliance reaffirms our commitment to working hand-in-hand with indigenous and local communities to protect and restore ecosystems in Cameroon. As the world calls for a shift toward renewable energy and climate resilience, we recognize the vital role of grassroots leadership, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage in shaping a just and sustainable future for both people and planet.
As we reflect on our collective power to effect change, let's commit to actions that honor both our planet and its diverse peoples.​

21/04/2025

🌳 Tree of the Week: Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis).
Known locally in Cameroon as andok, payo (Baka), peké (East Region), and geluae (Anyang), the Bush Mango is more than just a tree—it’s a cornerstone of cultural identity, nutrition, and forest-based livelihoods across Central and West Africa.
Among Indigenous communities like the Baka, Bush Mango is deeply embedded in food traditions, seasonal rituals, and forest stewardship. Its seeds are dispersed by wildlife such as gorillas and elephants, highlighting its role in maintaining biodiversity.
At Conservation Roots Alliance (CRA), we are dedicated to working with Indigenous communities to establish Bush Mango nurseries. This initiative aims to support cultural preservation, enhance food security, and promote sustainable livelihoods.​

Please visit our website to learn more about our work.
https://conservationrootsalliance.org/

16/04/2025

👀 “Wait… is that a monkey for sale?”

That was the reaction of our CRA field staff this week as he spotted a putty-nosed monkey on sale in one of the communities we are working with.
These monkeys are not only charismatic with their quirky facial markings, they’re also forest comedians....known for making mix-and-match alarm calls that sound like they're hosting their own jungle talk show.
But behind the humor is a serious issue. Putty-nosed monkeys are being hunted and traded, and it's slowly pushing them toward the edge.
Our forests are quieter without their chatter. And when we lose species like this, we don’t just lose biodiversity—we lose a part of what makes nature magical.

At Conservation Roots Alliance, we believe these unique creatures deserve protection, not because they're entertaining (though they really are), but because every species plays a role in keeping our ecosystems balanced and our forests healthy.

Let’s keep the laughter in the forest, not silence it.

Please visit our website to learn more about our work:
https://conservationrootsalliance.org/

14/04/2025

🌳 Tree of the Week: Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma)

The Moabi tree is a crucial forest food species for indigenous communities in Cameroon. Its fruit is rich in nutrients and forms an important part of the diet for the Baka and other local groups.
At CRA, we are working alongside indigenous communities to establish nurseries of Moabi to help sustain their culture and livelihoods, ensuring future generations continue to benefit from this valuable resource.

Please kindly visit our website to learn more about we do...
https://conservationrootsalliance.org/

21/03/2025

"Forest is like a Supermarket"
Today, on International Day of Forests, we celebrate the incredible forests of Cameroon, a country rich in biodiversity and natural heritage. According to the U.N. FAO, 42.1% (about 19.9 million hectares) of Cameroon is covered by forests, though some estimates put this figure as high as 48%.
These forests are home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants, while also supporting millions of local and indigenous people who rely on them for food, medicine, and livelihoods. Additionally, they act as natural climate regulators, absorbing carbon and helping combat climate change. However, Cameroon’s forests face serious threats, including deforestation, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and climate change, which put both wildlife and local communities at risk.
To protect this invaluable resource, we must take action by supporting reforestation efforts, promoting sustainable farming and logging, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Cameroon’s forests are not just a national treasure but a global one—let’s work together to ensure they are preserved for future generations!

https://conservationrootsalliance.org/

08/03/2025

"Real conservation starts with real conversations"
At Conservation Roots Alliance (CRA), we believe that the best way to protect nature is to listen to the people who live in it.
Recently, we visited villages in Southeast Cameroon to talk with local and indigenous communities. This consultation will help shape our work on the ground, ensuring that our conservation efforts truly support both people and nature.

https://conservationrootsalliance.org/

07/03/2025

Happy World Wildlife Day!

We celebrate the incredible biodiversity of Cameroon and recognize the vital role that wildlife plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. At CRA, we work hand in hand with local communities especially indigenous groups to protect and restore the rich natural heritage of Cameroon.

07/03/2025