Hello, my steemit brothers and sisters,

I joined steemit in May 2017 with the first account representing our conservation program in Cameroon called @kedjom-keku - find more about our effort in @kedjom-keku's fundition project here! I was tipped by @bluudz and @jean-gregoire to start using steemit as our fundraising tool to save the forest in Cameroonian mountains. I am unlimitedly grateful to them because if we would not join steemit it would be very difficult for us to run our conservation program passed year. Due to the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon to raise funding became more and more difficult - read more about the Unknown war here and about the exodus in Cameroon here. Our former donors found the conflict as a risky business to donate money to. Instead of seeing an even bigger problem which requires the greater need of help.

Planting beans with ur student Chrispo.

Steemit became the most efficient fundraising tool in our history. Of course, we have some troubles according to price volatility but it helped us a lot to sustain our effort. The last fund gaps are being filled by our mentioned fundation project. I cannot even express how much we appreciate the existence of steem. Basically, STEEM is now saving the forest in Kedjom-Keku village.

Helping my friend Francesca to establish a compost pile.

When I realized I want to use Steemit for my personal thoughts as well as even more effective fundraising I established @treeplanter - funds-raising and voting bot and my own account @martin.mikes - all revenues are used for forest conservation in Cameroon.

Since 2008 I spent most of my time in Cameroon. Passed 6 years 95% of my time. But because of the insecurity in Cameroon, I have been in Europe since April to spend some time with my Forest Friendly Family. We have decided to travel around Southern and Western Europe so we did it. Since 1st July we visited Austria, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. We have met a lot of nice and inspiring people. I have actually encouraged a few of them to join steemit too (more about it in my following updates). Most of the time we spent in Southwest of Portugal. I can say the best place in Europe I have ever visited with the best people (more about them in my updates).

Interviewed for Yerema production in the reforested area at our Misty Mountain Conservation Center

However, my plan is clear. I am leaving my family in Europe at least for 6 months and going back to my home - to Cameroon. Looking forward a lot! Of course, I will miss my kids so much. But I am hoping the horrible situation in Cameroon gets better soon so they can join me there too.

Playing Football 4 Nature to raise the awareness about the importance of forest.

I was planning to go back to Cameroon 6th November. Then I was told by my friend @raserrano about STEEMFEST 3. I do not know how it happened I did not find it by myself sooner. Anyway, I know it now. Since Krakow is not far from my second home in Czechia where we are just heading to from our trip. So it would be such a great opportunity for our NGO @kedjom-keku representing by me to meet you guys by a person. Talk to you about my experience and ideas and also listen to you to gain more knowledge and find together the way how we can successfully save far more than Abongphen Highland Forest in Cameroon. It would be just so great.

After our bee-keeping workshop organized for the local farmers

Unfortunately, I do not have enough money to pay for the entrance fee. I do not want to use any of the revenues of @treeplanter or @kedjom-keku even though I believe it is going to be a good investment for our NGO to be part of the STEEMFEST I want to get the money separately from our official fundraising.

The end of 2013/2014 school year of Misty Mountain School.

Here I am on the best crowdfunding platform – FUNDATION. Let me try to raise 450 $ to get the ticket. I have three weeks for it before the price will get increased again.

Will you help me to finally meet you face to face? I would be so glad!

To get your attention and introduce you more myself I will post as updates of this project my own personal experience with our conservation effort, corruption and war we face as well as about my ideas how to save our planet or about crypto world especially steem.

Thanks a lot!

@martin.mikes