Rising Up for the Mangroves: A Conversation with Anthony, Regional Coordinator of ThinkOcean Cameroon

Anthony Malle at Twala Likolo Li Ndok Na Tiko

Mangroves are among the most vital ecosystems on our planet, providing essential services like coastal protection, carbon storage, and habitats for countless species. Yet, in Tiko, Cameroon, these ecosystems face immense pressure from deforestation and land degradation. Anthony, the Regional Coordinator for ThinkOcean Cameroon, is at the forefront of efforts to restore and protect these critical habitats through Twala Likolo Li Ndok Na Tiko (Rise Up for the Mangroves: Youth-Led Restoration and Conservation in Cameroon).

Under Anthony’s leadership, this youth-driven initiative combines science, community involvement, and traditional knowledge to address environmental challenges while fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship in the region. In this Q&A, Anthony shares his journey, the obstacles he’s faced, and the powerful impact of involving communities in conservation efforts. From planting thousands of mangroves to educating future environmental leaders, his story is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots action.

TO: Can you tell us about your role at ThinkOcean Cameroon and how you got involved with mangrove restoration?

Anthony: I oversee and coordinate mangrove restoration projects, environmental clubs in schools, and partnerships with organizations for activities like beach clean-ups. My role ensures these initiatives meet environmental standards and are completed on time and within budget.

Driven by a passion for ocean conservation and nature-based solutions, I launched a community mangrove restoration initiative to protect local biodiversity. Mangroves, deeply rooted in our cultural heritage, are under severe threat from deforestation and land degradation for firewood, charcoal, and construction. Understanding their role as carbon sinks and their contribution to mitigating climate change further motivated me to act.

TO: What inspired you to focus on planting mangroves in Tiko, and why is it so important for the region?

Anthony: Mangroves in Tiko face immense pressure from human activities as they provide essential ecosystem services, including fisheries production, coastal protection, pollution control, and carbon sequestration. Unfortunately, species like Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangroves) are at risk due to overexploitation, endangering endemic species such as the Cameroon clawed otter (Aonyx capensis congicus) and the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis).

Restoring mangroves addresses biodiversity loss, safeguards habitats for over 13 mollusk species, 10 shellfish species, and five threatened marine turtles, and promotes a sustainable future.

Youth Engagement in Cameroon

TO: How did you engage young people and marginalized communities, and what was their response?

Anthony: We involved youth and marginalized groups through direct planting activities, media campaigns, and sensitization programs. By integrating local communities into every stage—from planning to monitoring—we ensured ownership and commitment to the project.

Our approach combined traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific methods, creating holistic restoration strategies. Since 2022, we’ve seen overwhelmingly positive support from the community.

TO: What challenges did you face in planting nearly 5,000 mangroves, and how did you overcome them?

Anthony: The main challenges included:

• Environmental Factors: Rising sea levels and extreme weather threatened sustainability. We addressed this by selecting resilient sites like estuaries and lagoons and adopting adaptive management strategies.

• Community Resistance: Some locals were initially reluctant. Using Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) techniques fostered local stewardship.

• Invasive Species: Monitoring and on-site interventions helped manage threats from Nypa palms and leaf miners.

TO: What are the environmental benefits of mangrove restoration, and how does it impact Tiko's ecosystem?

Anthony: Restored mangroves in Tiko offer numerous environmental benefits, such as:

• Carbon Sequestration: Offset of 246.62 tons of CO2 annually at maturity.

• Biodiversity Support: Increased fish catch and habitat restoration for endemic and endangered species.

• Coastal Defense: Strengthened natural barriers against floods and storm surges.

Additionally, through environmental clubs in schools, we are nurturing a new generation of restoration advocates. Over four school clubs train students on restoration and nature-based solutions.

TO: Can you share a memorable moment that highlights community involvement?

Anthony: On August 27th in Ekange 3, Tiko Municipality, we collaborated with locals to plant 2,000 mangroves. Despite heavy rain, the community’s spirit was unwavering as they worked together to clear invasive species and plant seedlings. This day exemplified their deep connection to the land and commitment to its restoration.

TO: How do you measure the impact of the mangrove planting?

Anthony: Our metrics include:

• Mangrove Area Restored: 2,000 seedlings planted (Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa).

• CO2 Offset: 246.62 tons annually at maturity.

• Community Reach: 2,000 people engaged.

• Education: 7,000 media views and over 4 school clubs active.

• Behavioural Impact: Increased awareness and adoption of eco-friendly practices measured through pre-and post-project surveys.

TO: What’s next for ThinkOcean Cameroon, and how can others support?

Anthony: ThinkOcean Cameroon will continue restoring degraded mangrove areas while empowering communities to explore sustainable livelihoods, such as eco-tourism and community-based enterprises. By scaling these efforts, we aim to enhance coastal health and inspire other local conservation actors.

We invite well-wishers to support our work through donations and partnerships, enabling us to expand our impact. Together, we can restore degraded mangrove ecosystems and build a sustainable future.

 TO: What is your favourite quote that keeps you inspired for environmental change?

Anthony: “If we cannot help nature recover, then there is no help for us humans ” by Wilson Gastanes.

Interviewed and edited by Ajay Sawant