The multi-award-winning environmentalist is recognized globally for pioneering efforts in forest governance and gender equity across Africa. With over three decades of advocacy, the Cameroonian has championed women’s rights and promoted sustainable environmental practices.
Dr. Cécile Bibiane Ndjebet, President and Co-Founder of the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests, REFACOF, has become a leading advocate for environmental sustainability and women’s rights in Africa. As a Cameroonian social forester and activist, she has dedicated her life to reshaping the relationship between gender, land, and forest management, gaining international acclaim for her groundbreaking initiatives. Raised in a forest community in Cameroon, Dr. Ndjebet’s early experiences instilled in her a profound respect for nature and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in rural areas.
Recognizing the critical role women play in sustaining forests and natural ecosystems, she decided to champion agroforestry initiatives that not only support conservation but also provide economic empowerment for women. Her advocacy has been instrumental in challenging deeply rooted gender disparities, particularly in rural Cameroon, where nearly 70% of women depend on forests for their livelihoods but often lack legal ownership rights. In response, she co-founded REFACOF in 2009, a network that has since expanded to 20 African countries, driving policy reforms and community-led action to secure women’s land and forest rights.
In a landmark effort in her hometown of Edéa, Dr. Ndjebet succeeded in facilitating a ground-breaking initiative where husbands formally grant land ownership attestations to their wives, Supported by traditional leaders and government officials.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born into a rural community near Edéa, Cameroon, Dr. Ndjebet was deeply influenced by her mother, a farmer who faced significant challenges in securing land rights. This early exposure to gender disparities in land ownership and agricultural struggles motivated her to champion the rights of women, particularly in environmental governance. After obtaining a degree in agronomy in Cameroon, she furthered her studies, bagging a Master of Science in Social Forestry from Wageningen Agricultural University in the Netherlands.
Her academic background equipped her with the tools to drive change in the intersection of gender and natural resource management. Recognizing the challenges that rural women face, she dedicated her life to bridging the gap between policy and grassroots initiatives, ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from sustainable development programs.
Building a Legacy in Environmental Advocacy
Dr. Ndjebet began her professional career as a civil servant in Cameroon in 1986 before transitioning to civil society organizations in 1997. She quickly realized that meaningful environmental conservation could not be achieved without addressing social inequalities, particularly those affecting women. In 2000, she co-founded Cameroon Ecology, Cam-Eco, a national non-governmental organization focused on community rights, particularly for rural and Indigenous women. Through Cam-Eco, she has worked tirelessly to restore degraded ecosystems, rehabilitating over 600 hectares of mangrove forests and degraded land. Her work has directly benefited thousands of rural families, helping them improve their livelihoods while also conserving biodiversity.
In 2009, she played a pivotal role in founding the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests, REFACOF, a network spanning 20 West and Central African countries. As REFACOF’s president, Dr. Ndjebet has been at the forefront of influencing policies that promote gender equity in land and forest tenure, ensuring women have a seat at the table in decision-making processes related to natural resources. Her leadership in REFACOF has facilitated the training of thousands of women in sustainable forest management, policy advocacy, and economic empowerment through agroforestry and conservation initiatives.
Beyond her work with Cam-Eco and REFACOF, Dr. Ndjebet has served as a consultant for international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, contributing her expertise to global environmental policies. She has actively participated in international climate summits and biodiversity conferences, where she advocates for the inclusion of women in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Creating Lasting Impact
Dr. Ndjebet’s unwavering dedication to gender equality and environmental sustainability has made her a beacon of hope for communities across Africa. Through her advocacy, policy influence, and grassroots initiatives, she has helped bridge the gap between conservation and social justice.Her work continues to inspire young environmentalists, particularly women, to take leadership roles in conservation. She regularly mentors the next generation of activists, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges while upholding social equity.
As climate change intensifies and natural resources become scarcer, Dr. Ndjebet’s work remains more relevant than ever. She continues to push for stronger policies that integrate gender perspectives into climate resilience strategies, emphasizing that empowering women is key to achieving sustainable development.With a career spanning decade, Dr. Ndjebet’s legacy is firmly established. Her work has reshaped environmental governance in Africa, proving that inclusive conservation efforts yield lasting results. As she continues her mission, she remains a symbol of resilience, leadership, and transformative change for future generations.
Global Recognition and Achievements
Dr. Ndjebet’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was awarded the prestigious Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to sustainable forest management. The same year, she was named a United Nations Champion of the Earth for Inspiration and Action, one of the highest environmental honours globally. Her work continued to garner accolades, and in March 2025, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, honoured her with the Kew International Medal for her advocacy in forest communities.
These recognitions reflect her lifelong dedication to fostering sustainable environmental practices while uplifting marginalized voices. In addition to these awards, her impact is seen in the legislative changes she has influenced. Through her advocacy, several African governments have reviewed or reformed policies to enhance women’s land ownership rights and participation in forest governance. In Cameroon, her work contributed to the inclusion of gender-sensitive provisions in national forestry policies, ensuring that women have legal access to and control over forest resources.
