Biodiversity expert, Ngwa Louis, bags Doctorate Degree with distinction.

The public defense took place at the Faculty of Science of the University of Yaounde I, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. 

The thesis, submitted to the Centre for Research and Training in Graduate Studies in Life Science, Health and Environmental Sciences, was titled: “Biodiversity and Restoration of Ecosystem Services within Infrastructural Development Projects Across Different Landscapes in Cameroon”. 

It explored how infrastructure development influences habitat change, biodiversity patterns and ecosystem services, while proposing approaches for sustainable development and ecological restoration. 

The candidate presented findings from years of research on the relationship between infrastructure expansion, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services before a panel headed by Prof Zapfack Louis and other renowned academics. 

Following deliberations, the jury unanimously approved the work and awarded it the distinction of Très Honorable.

Announcing the decision, President of the Jury, Prof Zapfack Louis, said: “The jury, unanimously, accepted your work with the distinction Très Honorable, making you a Doctor of Philosophy in Botany and Ecology, in Plant Organism Biology, option Botany and Ecology. Congratulations” 

Jury lauds candidate for quality of research 

At the close of the defense, Prof Zapfack commended the candidate’s academic journey and professional growth, recalling that Nforbelie had once been among his earliest postgraduate students. 

Prof Zapfack said the candidate had developed into a highly skilled professional whose expertise was evident throughout the research and presentation.

“I have greatly appreciated his approach and the quality of the work presented. We are people who share knowledge, and when we encounter valuable knowledge, we also learn from it. If one leaves a jury session without learning something, then the quality of the work was probably not there. Today, I learned a great deal from this research,” Prof Zapfack said. 

He nevertheless encouraged the new PhD holder to work with his supervisors to incorporate observations and corrections raised during the defence before the final version of the thesis is submitted. 

Zoom on thesis

Presenting the study, Nforbelie explained that the research was motivated by the challenge of balancing growing infrastructure needs with the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services. 

He said the research assessed habitat dynamics, biodiversity patterns, ecosystem services and socio-economic conditions linked to infrastructure development. 

Using field investigations conducted between 2020 and 2022 alongside geospatial analysis covering four decades (1984-2024), the study examined land-use and land-cover changes and their implications for sustainable development. 

According to the findings, significant land-use and land-cover changes have occurred over the past 30 years, driven mainly by deforestation, agricultural expansion and infrastructure development. 

Despite the pressures, the study found that affected landscapes continue to host considerable biodiversity, including species requiring long-term protection. 

The research further established strong links between biodiversity and ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water regulation and soil stability. 

It also found that local communities remain highly dependent on these ecosystem services and are therefore vulnerable to environmental change. 

Among its recommendations, the study proposed nature-based restoration solutions and scalable conservation measures capable of supporting development projects while limiting biodiversity loss and promoting the recovery of critical habitats. It also highlighted both the opportunities and ecological risks associated with major infrastructure projects. 

Speaking on his motivation for undertaking the research, Nforbelie said his interest in environmental and ecological management inspired the work.

“I am passionate about environmental and ecological management. Reaching this point and being able to share my experience and knowledge in a more structured way will be beneficial not only to me but also to everyone involved,” he said. 

The candidate noted that Cameroon, like many countries around the world, is experiencing growing pressure from infrastructure development, making it increasingly important to reconcile economic progress with environmental conservation. 

The study, Nforbelie said, sought to provide evidence-based approaches capable of supporting both objectives. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3836 of Friday July 03, 2026