Project Leaders
Research Cross River Gorillas in South West Cameroon

Louis Nkembi - Country Director (Cameroon)

Louis is a natural resources specialist with over 10 years of experience in conservation, rural development and community-based project development and management. He is a native of the Lebialem Highlands and therefore knows the area and culture really well. His research and field experience areas include social aspects of biodiversity conservation, great apes, anthropology, agricultural development, community-based forestry management, forestry governance and environmental policy, socio-economic surveys and livelihood development, participatory methodologies, facilitation of workshops, protected area management, training, education and capacity building.

Stella Ajabji - Project Staff

Stella is an experienced development practitioner focusing on community development, with expertise in community based microfinance for conservation and poverty alleviation. She is a talented team leader and works well with the community development staff to achieve the project's goals and objectives.

Stella provides training and research in project management, microfinance and enterprise development, and she developed an alternative microfinance model for the forest adjacent communities in the Lebialem Highlands in 2007. Her current work includes the monitoring of a microfinance program for impoverished rural women and guiding them in the implementation of their micro projects. Stella has an understanding of the needs of foreigners visiting the Lebialem Highlands and the importance of eco-tourism for development and conservation.

Efuetacha Betehndon Nchufang - Project Staff

Efuet is one of the researchers of the gorillas and chimpanzee conservation project in the Bechati-Mone Forest Corridor. He has a background in environmental science and is coordinating the watershed restoration project in Buea. Efuet is part of the education team and visiting primary schools in the Lebialem Highlands in order to raise awareness and teach children about local wildlife, in particular great apes and their conservation. He is also involved in tree planting programmes for ecological restoration.

Mbunya Francis Nkemnyi - Project Staff

Francis is the team leader of the gorillas and chimpanzee conservation surveys in the Bechati-Mone Forest Corridor. He has a background in biological science and has strong organisation skills. Conservation is his passion, and he has an interest in both zoological and botanical research.

Francis is also part of the education team and visiting communities in the Lebialem Highlands in order to raise awareness and teach villagers about local wildlife, in particular great apes and their conservation.