Manyange Na Elombo Marine Protected Area in CameroonCEFR A2
22 Nov 2025
Adapted from Leocadia Bongben, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Edouard TAMBA, Unsplash
The Manyange Na Elombo Marine Protected Area lies in the south of Cameroon, by the border with Equatorial Guinea. Ebodje is one of ten villages inside the MPA and about 80 percent of the Iyassa people there work as fishers.
The MPA protects sea turtles, coastal nature and some fish species. The decree aims to limit industrial fishing and support ecotourism and artisanal fishing. Locals say the designation had little scientific study and no public management plan at the start.
The Kribi deep seaport is about 22.9 kilometers from the MPA. People report coastal erosion near Ebodje and studies noted coastline change and pollution risk.
Difficult words
- marine — Related to the sea and ocean.
- protected — Safe from harm or damage.
- community — A group of people living together.communities
- fishing — The activity of catching fish.fishers
- challenge — A difficult situation to overcome.challenges
- pollution — Harmful substances in the environment.
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Discussion questions
- Why are Marine Protected Areas important for fishermen?
- How can communities help protect marine life?
- What cultural connections do people have with the sea?
