Marine biologist Aristida Takukam Kamla has dedicated his life to the conservation of the African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis), a vulnerable species found in freshwater bodies such as Lake Ossa in Cameroon. These manatees face threats such as habitat loss and poaching, and are currently at risk of extinction.
Since the 2010s, Kamla has been involved in the establishment of the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization, which has played a crucial role in creating laboratories and conservation efforts for manatees in the region. Hunting manatees has been banned in local villages, which has also helped raise awareness and gain support from local residents.
Collaboration between scientists and local fishermen is a key step in tackling threats such as pollution from local industries and fishing practices. Kamla emphasizes the need for joint efforts to effectively address these issues and preserve the region's unique ecosystem.
One of the notable successes has been the fight against the invasive plant giant salvinia, which threatened the Lake Ossa ecosystem. Together with fishermen, beetles were used to control the spread of this plant, which helped restore balance to the ecosystem.
In the future, Kamla plans to promote ecotourism in the region as a sustainable way to protect the manatees, while supporting local communities and preserving the unique nature for future generations.