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In the northern part of the , or Dja Biosphere Reserve, deep in the Cameroonian rainforest, the first light of dawn gently caresses the thatched roofs of a local handicraft workshop. Inside, the rhythmic weaving of rattan, bamboo, and tree bark fills the air, a quiet yet powerful testament to tradition and renewal. Here, young artisans are shaping more than just objects; they are crafting a future rich with possibility.

For years, poaching and deforestation have weighed heavily on the balance of this UNESCO natural World Heritage site and biosphere reserve. With limited employment opportunities, many young people, particularly from the Baka and Bantu communities, have been caught in the grip of illegal activities to survive. Unemployment, exacerbated by geographical isolation, has created a cycle that is difficult to break.

But in the heart of this forest, something different is taking root. An initiative dedicated to reviving traditional craftmanship is equipping young people with the skills to create sustainable livelihoods and improve their autonomy. Under the Earth Network project, supported by the Government of Italy, this effort strengthens UNESCO’s commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Between 15 and 21 December 2024, thirty young Baka and Bantu indigenous people, including nine women, from six villages participated in training led by local artisans. Under their fingers, plant fibres were transformed into finely woven baskets, bamboo cups, and decorative sculptures. Some specialised in crafting the "Ayita," a traditional guitar that resonates with the sounds of Badjoué culture.

The initiative extended beyond training, focusing on preserving and enhancing cultural heritage. In the village of Somalomo, the handicraft hall was revitalised with a new roof made of woven palm leaves, a symbol of Bantu heritage. Meanwhile, the Baka People’s Museum in Bifolone was renovated, enhancing the region’s tourist appeal and advancing the preservation of cultural heritage.

The sustainability of this initiative depends on the active engagement of local stakeholders. Under the guidance of conservation services, collective management rules have been established to regulate the sale of handicrafts and ensure fair income distribution. By educating young artisans about the economic value of their skills, the project opens real opportunities while safeguarding the natural resources of the biosphere reserve.

By strengthening traditional craftsmanship and revitalising cultural spaces, this initiative is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth in the Dja Biosphere Reserve. Through hands-on training, young artisans have gained expertise in creating furniture, woven baskets, decorative panels made from plant-based fabric, bamboo cups, and the Ayita, a traditional Badjoué guitar. These skills not only preserve ancestral knowledge but also open up new economic opportunities, reducing dependence on unsustainable resource exploitation.

The restoration of key cultural spaces further reinforces this vision. The rehabilitated handicraft hall in Somalomo and the improved Baka People’s Museum in Bifolone enhance both community engagement and cultural tourism. These efforts promote local craftsmanship and cultural tourism while safeguarding the longevity of the region’s artisanal heritage.

Aligned with UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the World Heritage and Sustainable Development Policy, this initiative demonstrates how conservation and human development can coexist. By investing in skills, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihoods, the Dja Faunal Reserve is emerging as a model for resilience and opportunity, where nature and culture work hand-in-hand to secure the future.

The youth empowerment initiative in the Dja Biosphere Reserve goes beyond skills development, it provides a sustainable alternative to unemployment and fosters long-term economic resilience. Building on the craftsmanship training, young artisans now have the tools to turn their creativity into viable livelihoods while reducing dependency on natural resource exploitation.

To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, conservation services and village leaders from Somalomo and Bifolone are working together to create fair revenue-sharing models. These community-driven rules will regulate the exhibition and sale of artisanal goods, ensuring transparent income distribution for all involved.

The initiative also emphasises preparing local stakeholders to manage biosphere reserve resources and pursue funding opportunities. By raising awareness of the region’s tourist appeal, artisans are encouraged to create high-quality crafts that visitors will eagerly purchase as mementos. With access to the biosphere reserve’s abundant plant-based materials, these artisans are shaping a future where tradition and economic opportunity thrive together.