Meet Climate Reality Leader – Ewi Stephanie Lamma
Name and Surname: EWI STEPHANIE LAMMA
Country Of Origin: CAMEROON
Occupation: COMMUNITY WORKER
When were you introduced to the concept of climate change?
In 2013
How has climate change impacted you and your community?
Among the many challenges my community has faced as a result of climate change is food insecurity. In 2015, there was an outbreak of what was termed acid rain that affected one of our most cherished food crops known as the Ibo cocoyam. This is a delicacy consumed all over the country with different soups and vegetables. Since it was a crop that thrived more during planting seasons when there was little in the barns to eat, hunger became very alarming and many families starved as the crop disappeared literally.
Why is taking climate action important to you?
I believe natural resources should be used for the benefit of all people, not for the benefit of the few. Those closest to natural resources are excluded from the benefits that come with them. Their voices need to be heard and their access needs to be granted to sustainable use of natural resources for their livelihoods and for their development.
Which climate change issue are you most passionate about?
Rural people’s inclusion in Climate Change decision-making platforms and projects.
When were you trained as a Climate Reality Leader?
July 2020
What made you interested in the training and what have you gained from it?
In line with my vision to influence environmental policies and programs at a national and international level, the Climate Reality Training was a platform that would build my capacity and enable me to fit into the next phase of environmental advocacy and planning solutions to the environmental challenges faced by the Cameroon government and other African nations. In particular, Cameroon’s vision 2035 seeks to implement policies and programs that help in combating Climate Change, and with my skills honed on climate advocacy; I saw this training as an opportunity to be empowered to build rural people’s capacities especially women for inclusion in Climate Change decision-making platforms and projects. The platform has exposed me to a wealth of materials and resources on Climate Change and a plethora of networks and platforms where my voice is being heard on issues of rural people’s inclusion in Climate Change and REDD+ decision-making platforms.
What climate change activities/ community work have you been involved in or organized recently?
I engaged in establishing a nursery of 5000 trees for revamping and restoring degraded lands, water catchment areas, and farmlands. I coordinated the organization of a Miss Environment Content to empower young girls on environmental protection and Climate Change mitigation and adaptation in urban centers of Limbe. I developed a Climate Change manual and established Climate Change Clubs in schools using the manual as a guide for facilitators. Presently, I am working with my team to establish a 5000+ nursery with economic tree species to plant along the streets of Limbe. I run a radio program where I host different stakeholders for discussions on Climate Change.
Tell me about a positive experience you have had at a climate action event you organized or attended?
I was relieved to join the workshop, which was hosted to demonstrate on how to log acts of leadership which I felt was a big challenge to me from the start. I started logging my acts of leadership after the workshop.
What do you think is the most important thing that can be done to tackle climate change?
Raise awareness, enrich advocacy campaigns, and influence environmental policies.
What advice would you give to other Climate Reality Leaders and activists taking climate action in Africa?
The fight against Climate Change is never small no matter how minute it might appear. Your style might be lighting up that little village in the corner or providing solar energy to houses in the city. You might be building youths’ capacities on climate-smart agricultural practices or speaking up for the rights of some rural poor. You are keeping a legacy and you are being selfless. It is a drop of water into a bucket that fills it up. Be unique in your approach.
Keep doing what you are doing. Results come by virtue of consistency and the reason you stand against Climate Change is for a generation yet to be born. Worry less about your challenges and raise your voice as high as you can to the course. Learn from others, borrow ideas if you must but believe in yourself to reach your dreams. Do not give up just yet!