Manoka Island is the site of vast mangrove forests. It’s also the home of African manatees, crocodiles, sea turtles, the ornate hornbill, African spoonbill, Gabonese grey parrot, and many other species.

It’s one of Cameroon’s least developed islands, and most people live below the poverty line. They gather wood, fish, and smoke fish for their livelihoods; they cut trees for everything from cooking to construction. There is no electricity.

The 500 residents of Manoka have a history of conservation action. They have protected sea turtle nesting areas and banned harvesting turtle eggs or eating turtle meat. In 2017, they reached a five-year agreement with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife to create the 1,878-acre Manoka Community Forest. Management of the forest has been the responsibility of the community, with technical assistance from the government. However, actual protection of the forest has fallen short. The loss of mangroves is particularly concerning to community leaders.

A local nonprofit, Support for the Protection of the Environment and Development (APED), is helping the community create a 25-year management plan to protect 2,471 acres of mangroves. One person from each household attends planning and education sessions.

Of the island’s many pressing needs, the most urgent is access to clean water. The only wells on the island are at the military base and the Catholic church, so many islanders dig open wells, collect water from a polluted stream, or gather (unreliable) rainwater. Waterborne illnesses are rampant and have led to loss of life; children are particularly vulnerable. As part of this project, APED will drill boreholes for fresh water. It will also provide solar electricity for 30 of the neediest households and offer soap-making training as a livelihood opportunity.