September was an exciting month at Plastic Oceans. We held our 5th edition of the Trees & Seas Film Festival with more than 35 local festivals around the world and over 38 partner organizations bringing screenings, workshops, and community events to life. But while many could gather freely to celebrate connection and environmental action, that wasn’t the case everywhere.

BlueCommunities member, EcoFriends in Cameroon, was one of the communities affected by political instability and social polarization. Ongoing unrest and safety concerns made public events difficult, and in some areas, fear or uncertainty kept people from gathering.

In Cameroon, the ongoing political conflict stems from the country’s colonial past. After German rule ended following World War I, the territory was divided between Britain and France under League of Nations mandates. When parts of British-administered Cameroon later voted to join French Cameroon in 1961, the reunification occurred under terms that left many English-speaking regions politically and economically marginalized. Decades of perceived discrimination and underrepresentation led to peaceful protests in 2016, which escalated into violence after government forces responded with force. Armed separatist movements subsequently emerged, and the conflict—often referred to as the Anglophone Crisis—has since displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed thousands of lives.

Today, communities live under constant threat. Schools in many Anglophone regions have been closed for nearly nine years. And every September, the month when schools traditionally reopen, separatists enforce strict lockdowns.

Anyone leaving home to work, gather, or participate in public events during these periods may risk their safety. This year, the lockdown aligned directly with the festival dates, making a local TSFF unsafe to organize.

These challenges show that environmental efforts can be easily affected by social and political developments, making safe spaces for dialogue and connection even more important.

**BlueCommunity Member´: Ecofriends (Cameroon)**
A youth led environmental Non profit with mission of combatting climate change, environmental degradation, plastic pollution ,Our approach consist of Class room education, beach cleans,tree planting,for a safe planet 🌱
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While some events have been postponed or cancelled, EcoFriends’ dedication to environmental protection is more alive than ever. On weekends, when restrictions temporarily lift, they continue with their work.

Since its establishment in 2023, EcoFriends has led river and beach cleanups in coastal cities across Cameroon, participated in tree-planting initiatives, and engaged thousands of community members on the dangers of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

Operating in a country facing ongoing social unrest, EcoFriends’ work takes on deeper meaning.

We honour the courage and commitment of EcoFriends and other communities around the world who continue environmental work under challenging circumstances. Their actions inspire us to build movements that are more inclusive and resilient.