The ecological future of the Nkambe Plateau in Donga Mantun Division of the North West Region was at center of discussions at a strategic dialogue in Binka village on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
This was guided by the saying that “When trees speak, the community listens”. Discussions took place at the palace hall of His Majesty King Kwefi II of Binka
The Open Dialogue was convened by the Youth Development Organization (Yodo) and GLFx Nkambe. It forms part of the sustainability strategy of the Smart Sacred Forest Restoration Project. Organisers said it is an initiative supported by the Mellon Foundation and the Heritage Management Organisation under the HerMapAfrica Grants Program.
Speaking at the meeting, King Kwefi II expressed deep appreciation to participants for their commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability.
He extended heartfelt thanks to the project’s funders for empowering communities to shape the destiny of their sacred forests. “The rate at which these forests are vanishing is alarming,” he warned, remarking that “If we fail to act decisively against encroachment, future generations will hold us accountable.”
Fai Cassian Ndi, Coordinator of Yodo/GLFx Nkambe, emphasized the sacred forest’s vital role in community survival. Though often small in size, he said these forests serve as sources of food, spiritual refuge, economic resilience for the poor, and natural carbon sinks.
Cham Gilbert, Divisional Delegate of Agriculture for Donga Mantung, further illustrated the sacred forest’s multifaceted value—as biodiversity hotspots, water sources, and spaces of spiritual reawakening deeply intertwined with community identity.
The gathering drew a rich tapestry of voices, including His Majesties Fon Mbunwe Barnabas of Mbot, Fon Nji Amidou of Nkambe, and Fon Chifu Stanley Tume of Njap.
Queen mothers, sub-chiefs and village priests were also in attendance alongside the third Deputy Mayor of Nkambe Council, educators, youth and women leaders, and representatives of the Mbororo/Fulani community.
Following the dialogue, stakeholders committed to bold measures to curb destructive activities in and around sacred forests. They proposed several actions to ensure sustainability. Among them were: A ban on the burning of ankara, a major cause of bushfires; restrictions on farming and grazing within sacred zones; reinforcement of traditional injunctions; tree planting and stewardship of previously donated seedlings from Yodo
Meanwhile, on August 22, 2025, Yodo mobilized the Binka community to plant 5,700 native trees in the Dfu-dfu Sacred Forest. It was an act of restoration and reverence that echoes the spirit of the dialogue.
First published in NewsWatch newspaper No 217 of Monday, September 1, 2025.
