To protect country’s rich flora: Researchers launch book identifying key plant biodiversity areas.

The publication is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, IRAD, the National Herbarium of Cameroon, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Speaking at the launching, the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E Matt Woods, highlighted Cameroon's significant plant biodiversity and its crucial role in global conservation efforts.

“I did not know that Cameroon was probably the most biodiverse country in Africa when it comes to plant species," Woods stated. 

He added that the primary objective of the book and the collaborative efforts is to make plant biodiversity better known, more recognised, and to help amplify the work of researchers in the field.

The High Commissioner said the book launch is part of week-long activities by the British High Commission focused on climate and nature collaboration between Yaounde and London. 

This, he noted, aims to preserve Cameroon's natural heritage, support local communities, and elevate Cameroon's voice on the international stage, particularly with regards to financing conservation efforts in the Congo Basin. 

"Without knowing where these plants are and their importance, we will not know how to protect them, why to protect them, and where to protect them. So, it is a book that is absolutely essential for all of us," the High Commissioner stated.

Enter IRAD Deputy Director General

In his address, the Deputy Director General of IRAD, Dr Ngome Francis, congratulated the researchers from the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, IRAD, and the National Herbarium for their relentless work in documenting Cameroon's flora. 

He stressed that the book provides researchers with essential tools to explore and preserve important plant conservation zones in Cameroon.

"The book is primarily for scientists because scientists need this book to carry out various activities in the field. It is also important for students," Dr Ngome stated.

He then highlighted the extensive collaboration between Kew and IRAD, noting that Great Britain's contributions are evident in scientific production, researcher training, equipment, and scientific sponsorship.

"The National Herbarium of Cameroon today has a seed bank with nearly 28,000 seeds belonging to about 30 plant families, entirely equipped by Kew as part of the Kew Millennium Seed Bank project," Dr Ngome revealed.

Enter experts

The head of Trait Diversity and Function at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Prof Phillip C. Stevenson, explained that Tropical Important Plant Areas of Cameroon, TIPA, identifies regions with the highest concentration of plant diversity so they can be better protected. 

He noted that marking these areas is crucial for conserving potentially useful plants for future applications in medicine, food, or other industries.

"If we lose those important plant areas, then we may be losing some of these useful plants for people," Stevenson cautioned.

On his part, the Director of the National Herbarium of Cameroon, Dr Tchiengue Barthelemy, offered further details on the book's content. He stated that it inventories 852 plant species across Cameroon and 49 Tropical Important Plant Areas.

He explained that the publication marks the first phase of the project, with ongoing prospecting planned to enhance knowledge of Cameroon's floral diversity. The book is intended for both scientists and students to support field research activities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3478 of Thursday June 19, 2025