Concerns over environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and the limited visibility of Cameroon's protected natural heritage have prompted the launch of the 2026 edition of the Wiki Loves Earth Cameroon competition in Buea.
The international photography competition was officially launched during a press conference held at ActivSpaces Buea on Monday, June 1, bringing together media professionals, photography enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and members of the Wikimedians of Cameroon User Group.
Speaking during the launch, the South West Coordinator of the Wikimedians of Cameroon User Group, Adeso Divine Mbaku, highlighted the growing threats facing many of the country's protected ecosystems and wildlife species.
According to him, many Cameroonians and members of the international community remain unaware of the rich fauna, flora, and protected natural sites that exist across the country, even as environmental challenges such as deforestation and the disappearance of endangered species continue to intensify.
"We focus on documenting protected sites, natural heritage, natural monuments, and national parks so that people can have access to information about what we have in Cameroon. This is not just a photo competition. It is also a way of keeping the population aware of our environmental heritage and the need to preserve it," Adeso said.
He noted that areas such as the Korup National Park, Mount Cameroon National Park, Waza National Park, botanical gardens, forest reserves, lakes, waterfalls, and other protected sites represent important environmental assets that deserve greater visibility.
To address the challenge, the Wikimedians of Cameroon User Group is using photography and open knowledge platforms as tools for environmental education and conservation awareness.
Running from June 1 to June 30, 2026, the competition invites professional photographers, amateur photographers, Wikimedia volunteers, and members of the public to submit photographs of protected natural sites across Cameroon. Images can include national parks, reserves, botanical gardens, lakes, forests, mountains, wildlife habitats, and other protected landscapes.
Organizers explained that the initiative seeks not only to showcase the beauty of Cameroon’s natural heritage but also to generate freely accessible educational content through Wikimedia platforms, including Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.
Participants may submit an unlimited number of photographs, provided they are uploaded during the competition period under a free license. The best entries will be evaluated based on technical quality, originality, artistic merit, and educational value.
To participate follow these links
Contest meta page:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Earth_2026_in_Cameroon
How to contribute:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UploadWizard&campaign =w/e-cm
International competition website:
htps://commons.wikimedia.ore/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Earth_2026
At the national level, the three best photographs will receive gift certificates worth 100,000 FCFA, 75,000 FCFA, and 50,000 FCFA respectively. Additional awards will recognize the highest contributor of photographs and significant contributors to Wikipedia articles on protected areas.
Beyond the prizes, organizers believe the competition can play a critical role in promoting environmental stewardship and positioning Cameroon’s natural attractions on the global stage.
By documenting protected areas ranging from Mount Cameroon and the Limbe Botanic Garden in the South West Region to Lake Awing, Lake Nsai, the Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, and other natural sites across the country, the project is expected to improve public knowledge, encourage conservation efforts, support eco-tourism promotion, and contribute to global discussions on climate change and biodiversity protection.
The competition forms part of the activities of the Wikimedians of Cameroon User Group, the national affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation since 2017. The group, which operates through hubs in Buea, Douala, Yaoundé, and Maroua, supports various initiatives aimed at promoting free access to knowledge and local content creation.
As the month-long competition begins, organizers are calling on Cameroonians from all walks of life to use their cameras and mobile phones to help tell the story of the country's environmental treasures, while contributing to the global effort to preserve and promote natural heritage for future generations.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
Tel: +237 6 94 71 85 77
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