BioDebate is a project designed to respond to the pressing climate crisis prevailing in the West region of Cameroon, specifically, to instigate more females in the resolution of the climate crisis in Cameroon. It has three major activities, notably, a regional public speaking and debate competition, training workshop of 50 female ambassadors, and the creation of 25 high school climate clubs; targeting a population of over 4000, including youths, adults and the elderly.

Objectives and Outreach:

Increase awareness about climate crisis and ocean pollution through competitive platforms (Speech arts, essays and story-telling contests);
Promote gender inclusiveness in climate leadership through the training of female students ambassadors; and Inform, educate and train youth, community leaders, teachers, students and stakeholders on the topic of the climate crisis and ways to mitigate it.

Category: Environment-based

Outreach: 3,570 youths and 200 adults

Targeted population: 2,000 female youths, 1,000 male youths, and 500 adults mixed sex

Plastics footprint reduction:

During the project activities, the high schools involved have witnessed a huge drop of plastic litter amidst campus; students are more conscious of this and take personal initiative for the protection of the school environment. The impact is estimated to be a 40 percent drop of plastics litter amidst campus.

Impact so far:

Over 50 percent of the female youths implicated in the competition are engaged in climate leadership;
A whatsapp group of climate ambassadors created for coordination of youths activities related to climate;
High school teachers involved after the project emphasize practical climate studies, and encourage students to pay heed to climate clubs and activities; and Empowered 3,570 youths and 200 adults.