Marine Protected Areas in CameroonCEFR B1
22 Nov 2025
Adapted from Leocadia Bongben, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Edouard TAMBA, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for conserving marine ecosystems and supporting communities reliant on fishing. In Cameroon, areas such as the Manyange Na Elombo Campo MPA play a crucial role for local populations like the Iyassa clan, who have deep cultural ties to the ocean and its creatures, including turtles and fish.
However, these protected areas face significant threats from nearby industrial activities, such as the Kribi deep seaport. Pollution and noise impact marine life and may disrupt the community’s fishing practices. Local fishermen, like Nerville Eboma Ndomo, express concerns about future fishing restrictions due to the MPA's establishment.
For Cameroon to meet its marine conservation targets, effective management of MPAs is necessary. This includes engaging with local communities to ensure their needs and knowledge are integrated into conservation strategies.
Difficult words
- marine — Related to the sea and ocean.marine ecosystems, marine life, marine conservation
- conserve — To protect something and keep it safe.conserving, conservation
- community — A group of people living together.communities, community’s
- fishing — The activity of catching fish.fishing practices
- threat — Things that can cause harm or damage.threats
- impact — To have an effect on something.
- engage — To involve or participate in.engaging
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think it's important to involve local communities in conservation efforts?
- How might pollution impact marine life and local fishermen?
- What role do you believe MPAs play in the future of fishing communities?
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