Coleen Mumbang is a researcher for the Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society. She has over five years of field research experience on mangroves forest ecology, biodiversity, coastal conservation, and ecohydrology with internationally recognized publications. She has led, managed, and monitored biodiversity and ecological field teams and research projects in the densest mangrove infested regions of the southwest and Littoral provinces of Cameroon.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem Management and Environmental Conservation through Community Awareness Raising Programs for Children, and Women 

The project advanced mangrove protection through raising awareness and educational programs which supported 378 women and children in understanding the importance of mangrove forests to their communities and their potential to reduce the adverse effect of climate change and sea level rise. She also set up a 500-plant mangrove nursery and involved local children in activities about mangroves, including boat tours to see the mangroves. This helped participants see the key role they play in the management of mangrove forests. Coleen also led workshops and went door to door to 17 homes in the community discussing sustainable harvesting methods and alternative fishing methods that help preserve mangroves. Coleen built trusting relationships with schools and community members while disseminating knowledge and current information about mangroves in an engaging and interactive way.

"Involving the children in planting the mangroves will also make them feel a sense of belonging and safeguarding the mangrove as custodians of the mangrove forest." - Project Partner

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Coleen was a participant in the IVLP Project Mangrove Ecosystem Management and Environmental Protection, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.

Coleen's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "Along with the well-organized and educational discussions with all of the experts, interacting with all of the charismatic members of our group was a particular highlight and enhanced the learning process."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL

"Over the course of the two weeks, I gained an appreciation for and understanding of the parallels and disparities between how mangrove ecosystems are managed in Cameroon and the United States. I will always treasure this experience, and I still consider myself fortunate to have been chosen for this program even now." - Coleen Mumbang

Country: Cameroon

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