In October, scientist Richard Munang became the first Cameroonian to head the UN’s Global Environment Monitoring Systems, part of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). This is a very first African nomination and we deem it important to report. The UN’s Global Environment Monitoring Systems collect data on the environment, including air and water quality, pollution and trends. Richard Munang’s aim is to translate this data into concrete, sustainable action for the planet and its inhabitants.
Richard Munang traces his ecological awareness back to childhood, in his village of Jinkfuin in the English-speaking northwest of Cameroon. His mother grew maize and beans on a small plot of land there, but memories of poor harvests and school days with an empty stomach left their mark on Richard Munang, who spent his entire school career seeking answers to the consequences of climate change.
He studied in England and the United States, and joined the United Nations Environment Program in 2009, working on adaptation projects.
Now that he has been appointed head of environmental monitoring systems, his main concern is not how to better equip states with measurement and control systems for water, air and soil quality. Rather, it’s best to support them in achieving their goal of a healthier environment.