Lake Barombi Mbo, located near Kumba in the South-West Region of Cameroon, is home to a unique freshwater ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. The lake harbours twelve endemic fish species, all of which are classified as Critically Endangered due to their extremely restricted distribution and the growing threats facing their habitat.
Over the years, increasing fishing pressure, unsustainable resource use, pollution and ecosystem degradation have placed these species at significant risk. Despite their exceptional ecological value, limited conservation efforts and insufficient integration of local knowledge into management strategies have further increased their vulnerability.
To address these challenges, JESUIS Association is implementing the project "Two-Eyed Approach: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Western Science to Protect Endemic Fish of Lake Barombi Mbo, Cameroon", with financial support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.
The project is built around the "Two-Eyed Concept", an approach that recognizes the value of both traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific methods in addressing complex conservation challenges. By combining these complementary sources of knowledge, the project seeks to develop locally relevant and scientifically robust solutions for the long-term protection of the lake's endemic fish species.
Working closely with local fishing communities and other stakeholders, the project focuses on identifying and mapping critical spawning areas, establishing community-based monitoring committees, collecting ecological data on fish populations, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. In parallel, awareness-raising activities and capacity-building initiatives are being conducted to strengthen local stewardship and encourage community participation in conservation efforts.
Through this initiative, JESUIS Association aims not only to safeguard one of the world's most unique freshwater ecosystems but also to demonstrate how community engagement, traditional knowledge and scientific research can work together to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.