Nature parks are meant to provide a cool atmosphere in Yaoundé and contribute to the protection of the environment. However, these green spaces of the Cameroonian capital are exposed to multiple attacks and treatment raising serious concerns.

 "The woods of the capital can speak and even bleed, these trees bear names" reports the daily Cameroun Tribune. Cameroon Tribune?s website describes how hikers and passersby make cuts on trees leaving all sorts of drawings "names, hearts and other sketches".

 The eucalyptus forests are targeted by people aiming for their medicinal properties despite the primary role which is to decorate the capital. They collect leaves and bark to prepare a remedy.

 In addition to hikers and passersby, coal miners cut down and burn these trees to produce charcoal. An eyewitness said that these people ?do not even hide to perform whatever they have in mind. They cut down trees in broad daylight, with an ax, or a machete, he says. They probably intend to produce coal or firewood.A forest ranger tells his disappointment: "We find people pulling the bark of the trees all the time. When we call them, they claim that trees are the government property and this would be the reason for misappropriation. Fortunately, trees regenerate fast enough otherwise one would not find a single tree there.The magnitude of the issue prompted the authorities of the city to find a solution. The government official in the Yaoundé Urban Community, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, issued a statement in early February recalling that "a tree devoid of its bark is not only exposed to multiple attacks but also risks dieback".Yaoundé has witnessed a total transformation in recent years thanks to investments from the Urban Community (CUY). The proper management of woods, nature parks and public gardens has made the seven hill city "one of the 120 cities in the world that have seen significant improvements over the past five years."

picture credit: Ongola .com