A significant forum focusing on environmental science, technology, and innovation for development took place in Yaounde. The event, held at the Yaounde Conference center, is under the patronage of the Ministry of External Relations.
For three days, delegates from countries within the Congo Basin are gathering to discuss and establish foundations for innovative technological solutions to environmental challenges. The delegations, who arrived in Yaoundé from Tuesday, February 18th, are participating in the Science, Technology, and Environmental Innovation for Development Forum. Discussions are focused on environmental development and innovative technological solutions to drive ecological and innovative entrepreneurship in the Congo Basin.
In his opening remarks, Jean Merlin Etobe, the National Coordinator of the PDTIE (Sustainable Deployment and Poverty Reduction Project), highlighted that the project benefits from fifteen technical support teams and around twenty organisations, universities, and research institutes. “The PDTIE is providing Cameroon with 75 environmental innovations, the valorisation of which aligns directly with the Head of State’s directives to the government,” he emphasised.
Key Attendees and Focus
The event has attracted notable figures, including Alphonse Waguena, representing the Central Africa office of the OIF (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie). Waguena emphasised that the forum aims to demonstrate how environmental innovation can improve living conditions and significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation.
This forum serves as a crucial meeting point for young innovators, investors, business leaders, and change-makers. It provides a unique platform for collaboration between innovation stakeholders, the private sector, and the public sector to foster ecological and innovative entrepreneurship in the Congo Basin.
According to the representative of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of External Relations, “During these three days, innovative projects will be presented through exhibitions and discussions, leading to a better understanding of concepts in agro-food and agricultural seed development.”
Exhibitions and Activities
The forum features a wide range of activities, including the exhibition of over a hundred innovations. These include environmental innovations, waste recycling solutions, and projects from polytechnic students focusing on natural resources, hydro-electricity, renewable energy, and sustainable construction. The event also includes conferences, debates, institutional advocacy, practical workshops, and discussion sessions.
A dedicated exhibition promotes products derived from technological innovations in environmental presentation. Stands showcase bio-chalk, antimicrobial, antifungal, and mosquito-repellent ointments, and herbal teas from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
