From 30 to 31 January 2017, in Douala, in the Republic of Cameroon, a workshop was held to raise awareness and train REJEFAC members on Access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits arising from their use (ABS) for real ownership and implementation of this mechanism in the sub-region. Burundi was represented by Mr. GIRUKWISHAKA Schadrack and Ms. INAMAHORO Grace.

This workshop was opened with introductory words from the environmentalist and consultant, NGANTCHEU Hydrice Martial. He then reminded the young people that the purpose of their presence in Douala is their participation in “a sub-regional workshop to raise awareness and train REJEFAC members on APA”. Subsequently, he gave the floor respectively to the financial partner, to the REJEFAC Regional Coordinator and to the main trainer who is the COMIFAC biodiversity expert.

After the opening of the workshop; a training methodology was given. It consisted of collecting observations, comments and concerns from participants while responding to their requests. During the first day, two modules were presented. In the first module, the consultant gave a reminder on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) beginning with the definition of the concept and then presented the structure, content and objectives of the CBD. In module 2, which was led by NCHOUTPOUEN CHOUAIBOU, the game and strategic challenges of the NP and the functioning of the Nagoya Protocol were developed. In his presentation, he said that the vision of the PN is to advance the application of the 3 goals of the CBD. This protocol is in the interest of everyone to conserve biodiversity. It's a kind of environmental justice. For this day, the series of presentations was closed with a presentation on the state of play of the APA process at the regional level. On this point, Mr. NCHOUTPOUEN CHOUAIBOU underlined that the APA sub-regional strategy was adopted in November 2010 and that 07 COMIFAC member countries (Gabon (the very first country) followed by Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, DRC, DRC, DRC, DRC, DRC, DRC, DRC, Congo, Congo, Cameroon, and Sao Tome and Principe)) ratified the PN. The process of ratifying this protocol is under way in Chad, where the instrument of ratification has yet to be deposited in New York.

The second day started with an evaluation of the first day. After this evaluation, module 3, dealing with the Fund Mobilization Strategy, where he indicated that its objective is to plan and mobilize resources in a strategic and systematic manner and to develop the confidence and skills necessary to mobilize resources. Module 4 on the contribution of REJEFAC in the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol was developed by the REJEFAC Regional Coordinator, Ms. Marie TAMOIFO NKOM.

After the presentation of these modules and the rich and varied exchanges that followed, each participant presented the activities to be carried out after the training. At the end of these presentations, the participants therefore established an APA Roadmap.

Action ideas:

- Feedback from participants to REJEFAC Country Focal Points and leaders of their respective organizations as a quick follow-up to the training received;
- Possibility of organizing mini training workshops for members of their organizations (by targeting certain leaders of other local or rural organizations and structures that are friends and partners).

Local & national level:

- With the REJEFAC country Focal Point, encourage a meeting with the national APA Focal Point and even the CBD Focal Point. Make a summary of their training and present the certificates and be available to work with the APA Focal Point;
- Organize one or two actions at the country level on APA as a REJEFAC initiative and in connection with the APA Focal Points and the CBD Focal Point: feedback forum, awareness-raising workshop, identification of a project;
- Develop a national communication plan and a directory of actors concerned.

Regional level:

- Continue the training of members of the REJEFAC networks;
- The regional focal points and branches will report on the actions carried out at the national level (one to two actions) during the next sub-regional meeting: development of the current situation at the sub-regional level;
- Develop and carry out one or two joint projects: carry out a study to identify genetic/biological resources and traditional knowledge related to these resources (in conjunction with the REJEFAC ambassadors trained in the countries): bioprospecting/inventory.

In her closing speech, the REJEFAC Regional Coordinator congratulated the participants for the knowledge they had just acquired and called on them to be junior ambassadors for APA in the various COMIFAC countries that they represent.