project 4

Climate Emergency: Protecting Lake Ossa from Invasive Aquatic Plants (AIP)

About the project

Lake Ossa wetland complex, situated in Dizangué, Sanaga-Maritime division, is the largest natural lake in Cameroon, covering approximately 4,000 hectares and several islets. This freshwater ecosystem boasts rich biodiversity, housing a variety of wildlife species, including fishes, crustaceans, oysters, snakes, lizards, marine turtles, crocodiles, and the vulnerable African manatees. However, the lake faces a severe threat from invasive aquatic plants (AIP), particularly the fast-spreading Salvinia plant. This project, titled “Climate Emergency: Protecting Lake Ossa from Invasive Aquatic Plants,” aims to address the proliferation of AIP and safeguard the ecological integrity of the lake.

E2F team engaged in the mechanical removal of Salvinia molesta, an invasive aquatic plant, from Lake Ossa.

Calling All Change-makers

Target Audience & Beneficiaries

Fishers & fish traders

Farmers

community members

women & youth

CSOs & NGOs

policymakers

academia

governments

Project Objectives and Goals

Investigating AIP Salvinia Causes

Identify the root causes and sources of invasive Salvinia in Lake Ossa, and develop strategies to curtail its spread.

Manual & Mechanical Removal of Salvinia

Implement manual and mechanical removal activities to control and reduce the spread of the invasive Salvinia plant in the lake.

Capacity Building & Empowerment

Strengthen the capacity of stakeholders, including fishers, students, and eco-guards, in environmental conservation and restoration efforts.

Developing Alternative Livelihoods

Create alternative livelihood opportunities for fishers, reducing their primary reliance on the lake for sustenance.

Key Activities

Conducting Root Cause Analysis of AIP Salvinia Proliferation

Organizing Agroforestry Workshops for Indigenous Farmers

Manual and Mechanical Removal of Invasive Aquatic Plants

Capacity Building for Fishers, Students, and Eco-guards

Establishment of Community Forests.

Promotion of Ecotourism Opportunities.

Key deliverables

Implementation of Prevention and Control Measures for AIP

Increased Awareness among Indigenous Farmers about Agroforestry

Restoration and Conservation of over 1,000 hectares of Lake Ossa wetlands

Empowerment of Indigenous Communities and Improved Livelihoods

Implementation of Ecotourism Initiatives to Support Conservation Efforts

Your Support Means a Lot

E2F is a non-profit organisation that relies on donations and gifts to implement its activities. Every contribution goes directly into our project activities with complete accountability and transparency.