The Director of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, IUCN, Prof Aime Joseph Niango, says Cameroonians should exploit forest and wildlife resources in a sustainable manner for future generations.

He made the remark in a chat with press during his visit to Cameroon recently.

He said illegal exploitation of forest and wildlife resources remains a threat to future generations.

The Burkinabe-born conservationist said biodiversity conservation, climate change sustainable exploitation of forest and wildlife are issues that must be taken serious because they affect humanity directly.

He said his visit to Cameroon was aimed at enabling him to weigh the challenges following the merging of the Central Africa and West Africa bureaus of IUCN.The IUCN now has only one bureau in West and Central African regions situated in Ourgadougou, Burkina Faso.

During his visit, he said he discussed environmental issues with the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Elvis Ngolle Ngolle and the Minister of the Environment and Nature Protection, Pierre Hele.

IUCN is an International NGO that works with organisations engaged in the fight for the sustainable exploitation of natural resources. It works with states, government agencies and civil society organisations.

The outfit intends to intensify its activities in Africa with a three-year action plan that will return from 2009-2012.

http://www.postnewsline.com/2008/06/preserving-wild.html