A highlight for environmental mobilisation in Central Africa
Over four days, the 2026 CIFLEN will offer a packed and fast-paced programme designed to foster synergies between sustainable development stakeholders, scientists, local authorities, young innovators and local communities. The conference is not limited to speeches: it aims to create a real impact through interactive workshops, field visits, strategic debates, co-creation spaces, and a celebration of the living heritage of the Nyong River.
Indicative
programme
schedule :
Fishing activity
Nyong landscape
Bridge over the Nyong
Day 1 – OVERVIEW OF NYONG
- Opening ceremony with official addresses, institutional speeches, and commitments to the protection of the Nyong River.
- Keynote on African rivers and their place in global climate challenges.
- Strategic presentations on the Nyong, its ecological and socio-economic role, and pressures linked to pollution and overexploitation.
- Scientific lecture on climate trends in Central Africa and their impacts on hydrological regimes.
- Panel and technical workshops on the Nyong variability and its consequences for the local communities.
Day 2 – BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS
- Conference on African freshwater biodiversity and threats to aquatic ecosystems.
- Presentation on the fauna and flora of the Nyong, with emphasis on endemic and endangered species.
- Panel on the role of wetlands in hydrological regulation and natural water filtration.
- Keynotes and presentations on water quality, pollution, and the challenges of drinking water supply in Yaoundé.
- Practical workshops on water monitoring, technological innovations, and public health in relation to waterborne diseases.
Day 3 – Governance, Policies and Legal Frameworks
- Conference on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and its application in Africa.
- Presentation on the legal and institutional framework of water governance in Cameroon, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
- Panel on multi-level governance of the Nyong River, involving the State, local authorities, and riverine communities.
- Conference on the potential of the blue economy, including ecotourism, sustainable fishing, and resilient agriculture.
- Participatory workshops on sustainable livelihoods and nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
Day 4 – IMMERSION IN THE NYONG BASIN
- Exploration of the Nyong River ecosystem and direct observation of its natural resources.
- Presentation of local challenges: deforestation, artisanal fishing, gold panning, and pollution.
- Testimonies from local communities on their practices, challenges, and initiatives for sustainable water management.
- Discovery of concrete conservation projects, community development initiatives, and reforestation efforts.
- Thematic session on traditional knowledge and the role of local actors (chiefs, women, youth) in environmental resilience.
Day 5 – SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CLOSING
- Conference on the contribution of scientific research, technology, and innovation to sustainable water management.
- Cross-panel discussion on the role of the private sector, green start-ups, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in protecting the Nyong River.
- Restitution of the thematic workshops and presentation of the main recommendations.
- High-level panel on next steps, international cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
- Adoption of the Yaoundé Declaration, followed by the official closing and collective commitment to the Nyong River’s protection.
The programme’s main formats
Combining strategic discussions, experience sharing and field immersion, each activity was designed to enrich collective understanding and reinforce the conference’s impact.
Official ceremonies
Opening and closing ceremonies attended by national and international authorities, featuring powerful speeches, recognition of field actors and the launch of the Yaoundé Declaration.
Plenary sessions & thematic panels.
High-level sessions addressing the challenges facing the river: hydrology, biodiversity, economy, governance, innovation. Each theme will be addressed in light of local and international experiences.
Participatory workshops
Multi-stakeholder working groups to jointly develop concrete recommendations, identify levers for action and share best practices.
Exhibition of local initiatives
Exhibition of local initiatives:
Town halls, NGOs, universities, green start-ups, artists… a dynamic space to showcase grassroots solutions, sustainable innovations and the invisible voices of the river.
Youth & innovation spaces
A space dedicated to young people to present their projects (participatory mapping, engaged art, local technologies), promote intergenerational exchanges and initiate new networks for action.
River Cultural Evening
An artistic and heritage celebration: storytelling, dancing, music, gastronomy and crafts from the banks of the Nyong River. A showcase of the cultures that live with and for the river.
Immersive field trips
A full day to meet riverside communities, visit water treatment sites, observe the impacts of ecological disruption and discover local restoration initiatives (Mbalmayo and Ayos).