Experts in biological diversity yesterday discussed the challenges of reconciling nature conservation and agricultural practices, all elements necessary for the enhancement of man's wellbeing. Meeting under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and Nature production and organised by the Biodiversity Development and Conservation Programme-Cameroon (BDCPC), the experts drawn from the administration, university institutions and the civil society, discussed with diligence things to consider when carrying out agricultural activities in order to better preserve biodiversity.

The workshop which consisted essentially in presentations and discussions was, in effect, organised as one of the activities to mark the 2008 United Nations World Diversity Day in Cameroon. Among the topics handled were: Biodiversity and Food production with focus on animal and plant food, Rangeland Composition, use and Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Biodiversity and Health and Wildlife Conservation in relation to Food: short and Long Term Perspective.

The papers tried to demonstrate in essence that biodiversity conservation entails maintenance of gene banks, sensitisation of the population and discouraging of poor farming practices such as bush fires and deforestation. The experts demonstrated that sustainable practices such as application of land use planning systems, respect of carrying capacity of land, rational grazing, regeneration, proper burning practices and multi-specie grazing practices are important elements in enhancing agriculture.

The International Day for Biological Diversity is a UN-sanctioned international holiday for the promotion of biodiversity issues. The Secretary General at the Ministry of the Environment and Nature Protection, Akwa Patrick, presided at the Yaounde Workshop.

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