As Ambassadors of the newly launched campaign initiated by WildAid, the two female musicians exchanged with media practitioners on October 17, 2024, in Yaounde.
To amplify calls for the protection of wildlife species such as pangolins, international organization, WildAid has launched a campaign dubbed: “No Pangolin on My Plate”.
The campaign launched in June 2024 in the cities of Yaounde and Douala, has as main ambassadors, Krys M and Mimie, two influential musicians in Cameroon.
Through these two ambassadors, WildAid wishes to sensitize the public on abandoning pangolin consumption.
Implementing the campaign on the field
The “No Pangolin on My Plate” campaign was launched in June 2024 in the cities of Yaounde and Douala and has already been embraced by 116 restaurant owners.
According to Jennifer Biffot, WildAid’s Francophone Africa Representative, restaurants are demonstrating their commitment to the campaign by displaying the campaign’s posters and logo at different strategic corners of the premises.
As indicated by Mrs. Biffot, advocates and campaigners in the course of this crusade visited 190 restaurants serving bush meat and traditional Cameroonian dishes.
From the overall feedback, the move was positive on the field as most of these restaurants adhered to the campaign.
Among the restaurants visited it was observed that 68 were offering pangolin meat to their customers. Of the 190 restaurants, 25 of them have already joined the campaign, representing 37% of the total number.
Speaking to media practitioners present at the presser, Mrs. Biffot said: “Restaurants joining the campaign have aligned themselves with ethical and sustainable practices, enhancing their reputation among environmentally conscious consumers. In this way, they are playing a vital role in conservation efforts, and helping to preserve Cameroon’s rich natural heritage. WildAid will promote these restaurants as pangolin-free through our social media channels and on a specially created website. WildAid ambassadors and influencers will also join the campaign, encouraging consumers to choose pangolin-free restaurants. Together, restaurants and influencers can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of change across the community.”
She went further to unveil the main objectives behind this campaign that comes in to reinforce previous ones launched with renowned football icons and musicians.
“Our main aim and program is to transform Cameroon’s relationship with pangolins and other species, by linking them to the wider need to protect the country’s forests and the animals that live in them,” said Jennifer Biffot, WildAid’s Francophone Africa Representative.
According to WildAid, there is a need to convince Cameroonians to avoid eating pangolins.
“Pangolins are our main animal ambassadors. If we can convince Cameroonian city-dwellers not to think of pangolins as food but rather as a symbol of the country’s rich wildlife and forests, we can make a major contribution to saving pangolins from extinction in Africa, and at the same time promote a much healthier relationship with nature in Cameroon”
Legal proceedings
The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, represented by Georges Messina, Head of the judicial unit, seized this occasion to highlight the media on the various laws reinforced by the government to protect species like the pangolins.
It was disclosed that, under Cameroonian law, it is illegal to kill, capture, keep, or trade pangolins, as all three species existing in the country have been given the strongest category A protection for endangered species.
Also, a new forestry and wildlife law passed by parliament and signed by President Paul Biya in July has sharply increased the penalties for capturing or killing protected species, leading to imprisonment of 15 to 20 years, or to pay fines ranging from 20 to 50 Million CFA Francs.
As underscored during the presser and in the release of WildAid, this legislative milestone represents a significant step forward in the protection and preservation of Cameroon’s rich biodiversity. It also underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s wildlife and to send a clear message that illegal activities of this kind will not be tolerated.
Why Krys M and Mimie?
The two female musicians chosen by WildAid were officially presented as new ambassadors in the fight against the consumption of pangolins.
Like male artist Locko, Roger Milla, Rigobert Song, and Patrick Mboma, former indomitable lions of Cameroon, Krys M and Mimie are onboard.
They were chosen thanks to their positive impacts in society as underscored by WildAid’s Jenifer Biffot.
These two young ambassadors are expected to support WildAid in the campaign by sensitizing millions of Cameroonians through their various social accounts (Instagram, Facebook. TikTok).
Krys M 29, of her real name Megne Noubissi Christelle, is a multiple award-winning musician who features among the young and talented artists in Cameroon.
She recorded more than 14 million views within 5 months with her successful song: “Chacun sa chance” which topped musical charts in Africa and worldwide.
Krys M has thousands of followers on social media and has a great influence on the Cameroonian public.
She is also known for her love for cultural values and the promotion of traditional heritage.
Concerning Melanie Ngoga popularly known as Mimie, is a renowned Cameroonian singer, songwriter, and actress.
Mimie 33, features among Cameroonian artists with millions of followers on social networks, and most of her hit tracks focus on social issues impacting the education of young people and mostly the girl child.
Embarking Krys M and Mimie in this crucial campaign of WildAid is a positive move thanks to their social influence.
Elise Kenimbeni
