- By Nformi Sonde Kinsai
The National Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature, WWF Cameroon, Alain Bernard Ononino; has stated that children are the future of tomorrow as they shall, through their actions, be the main determinants of the health of planet earth.
He was speaking to reporters at the Multisport Complex of the Yaounde V Council on March 28, 2026, during activities to mark this years Earth Hour, which was in its 20th edition.
WWF Cameroon national director, Alain Bernard Ononino
On the involvement of hundreds of young people in the activities that included tree planting, Ononino said they (youth) are the future.
“We think that planting a tree in the heart of a youth is to ensure its sustainability. It is making sure that these decision makers of tomorrow are conscious of the necessity to preserve the environment and protect this single house that we have which is the planet earth.
“We believe that if that seed is planted in their hearts, it will enable them to pay attention to each action that they are undertaking. That should be an action in favour of the planet earth. They are also going to relay the message to their peers, friends, family members as well as other stakeholders notably the government, businesses and the community at large on the need to preserve and protect our mother earth,” he stated.
The WWF Cameroon National Director said, 20 years ago when Earth Hour was launched, only very few countries were involved and that today, more than 190 countries are actively participating.
He said it is an indication of the impact Earth Hour has had over the years.
He noted further that tree planting which contributes to afforestation was one of the key activities of the commemoration.
In addition, there were sensitisation campaigns on the importance of biodiversity conservation as Ononino said the focus of this years Earth Hour was on conserving the rich fauna heritage.
This years commemoration was placed under the theme: Give an Hour for Earth.
The campaign emphasises the Biggest Hour for Earth initiative, urging individuals, communities, and businesses to spend 60 minutes taking positive, simple actions for the planets health, focusing on sustainability and collective impact.
Other speakers at the event included the DO of Yaounde V, Fabrice Bilounga Dang; the Team Leader for Environment and Sustainability at the European Union Delegation in Cameroon, Stephen Peedell; and the Producer of Carton Rouge programme in 17 countries, Alain Joёl Edjimbi.