WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY

WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY 2026: Acting locally for global impact

GDA Provides Fruit Seedlings to AVEFDRIP in Mebassa, Batchenga.

On the occasion of the 2026 World Biodiversity Day, the need to promote local initiatives for the conservation and restoration of ecosystems is seen by the Green Development Advocates as a major priority in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Land degradation, the gradual disappearance of certain useful plant species, the effects of climate change and food insecurity are having a severe impact on rural and urban communities, particularly women who depend directly on natural resources for their livelihood.

The World Biodiversity Day, provided a framework for raising awareness on the importance of preserving biological resources and promoting sustainable practices that foster the resilience of communities within the Batchenga village communities.  In this context, the involvement of women in reforestation, agroforestry and sustainable production represents a key driver for environmental protection and local socio-economic development.

Since 2023, GDA has been supporting local women affected by the construction of the Nachtigal dam, who are members of the local community women association, AVEFDRIP, in setting up income-generating activities through numerous training sessions and the distribution of seeds.

It is within this framework that GDA took upon the initiative to support and train women in the establishment of a nursery for avocado, safou and moringa trees. These species were chosen by the women due to their multiple economic, nutritional, medicinal and ecological benefits.

The creation of community nurseries not only promotes the restoration of vegetation cover and the conservation of local biodiversity, but also helps to strengthen women’s technical and entrepreneurial capacities in terms of seedling production, sustainable management of natural resources and income-generating activities.

The Mebassa commemoration of World Biodiversity Day helped to mobilise and train women in the fight against malnutrition and poverty as well as preserving the environment. The Day did as well, initiate them on the notion of  sustainable agroecological practices in order to contribute to the protection of biodiversity, the improvement of their living conditions and strengthening them in the pending battle for climate resilience.