Unwrapping the Plastic Problem: Tackling Plastic Pollution in Cameroon Beyond World Environment Day

1. Introduction

Since its establishment in 1972 by the United Nations, World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, has served as a global platform to raise awareness and inspire action for environmental protection. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights the urgent need to rethink our relationship with plastics and take bold steps to reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse plastic waste.

In Cameroon, plastic pollution is one of the most visible and destructive environmental issues. In both urban and rural areas, plastic waste clogs drainage systems and rivers, leading to seasonal flooding, breeding grounds for mosquitoes, foul odors, and increased cases of illness.

At ISEC Cameroon, we are committed to tackling this crisis through youth-led initiatives, school outreach, clean-up campaigns, recycling programs, and public awareness projects. By educating communities and advocating for sustainable practices, we believe real change is possible.

2. Understanding the Plastic Crisis in Cameroon

Despite a 2014 ban on single-use plastics, Cameroon continues to struggle with enforcement and widespread plastic pollution. The country produces an estimated 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. Cities like Douala, Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Buea are strewn with discarded plastic bottles and bags, from street gutters to water bodies.

According to the United Nations, plastic pollution is fueling the triple planetary crisis:

• Climate change,

• Biodiversity and nature loss,

• Pollution and waste.

Globally, 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles—are now found in soils, seafood, rainwater, and even human organs. This pollution not only degrades our environment but also poses significant threats to public health, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Key Impacts:

• Blocked drains and flooding

• Contaminated water sources

• Land degradation

• Air pollution from plastic burning

• Microplastic contamination in food chains

• Increased respiratory and heart-related diseases

In agriculture, plastics used for mulching or greenhouse roofing can improve yields but also contribute to long-term soil contamination.

3. Youth and Community Action: What’s Being Done?

At ISEC Cameroon, we believe in the power of youth, education, and community action to drive environmental change.

As part of the 2025 World Environment Day celebration, we hosted an online webinar titled:“Uniting Education, Innovation and Civic Action to Beat Plastic Pollution”,bringing together passionate voices to share strategies and solutions. Over a hundred registered participants for this engaging and impactful webinar.

Beyond the webinar, ISEC Cameroon leads impactful programs across the country:

Our Key Activities:

• School workshops and eco-club formations

• Community clean-up drives and recycling awareness

• Campaigns like the Bamenda Zero Waste Initiative (BAM-ZWI) and the Clean Air Initiative in Douala

• Tree planting and urban reforestation

• Upcycling and environmental art sessions

• Collaborations with NGOs, schools, and municipalities

We encourage alternatives to single-use plastics—such as reusable bags, bottles, and containers—and promote youth leadership in sustainability efforts.

4. Challenges and Gaps

Plastic pollution persists in Cameroon due to several structural and social challenges:

• Weak enforcement of plastic bans

• Low recycling rates and poor waste infrastructure

• Lack of affordable alternatives to plastic

• Limited public awareness on environmental impacts

• Insufficient political will and funding

5. What Needs to Change?

To overcome these challenges, we must:

• Increase environmental education and awareness in communities and schools

• Strengthen policy enforcement and support youth-driven advocacy

• Invest in recycling infrastructure and create green jobs

• Promote biodegradable alternatives and a shift to a circular economy

  
  

Your Role Matters

Plastic pollution touches every aspect of our lives—from the air we breathe to the food we eat. But change starts with small, consistent actions.

We call on young people, educators, civil society, and policy makers to:

♻️ Say NO to single-use plastics

🌿 Join or organize local clean-up campaigns

🌱 Launch or support eco-projects in schools and communities

🗣️ Advocate for stronger waste policies and circular systems

ISEC Cameroon invites passionate individuals to join our programs, volunteer, or collaborate with us. Together, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Cameroon.

Beating plastic pollution is not a one-day event—it is a movement.We must shift mindsets, change habits, and adopt long-term solutions to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

🌍 Together, we can beat plastic pollution. Join us. Take action today.

By: ABENG Courage

Edited by : Harrison Ashangwa