CAMEROON
>> UNDP Equator Prize Finalists and Winners
Selected GEF biodiversity projects:
>> Establishment of the Cameroon Mountains Conservation Foundation (CAMCOF) to support community-based ecosystem management:
The Cameroon Mountains Conservation Foundation (CAMCOF) is providing essential support to the local organizations engaged in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Cameroon Mountains Range ecosystem.>> Support to Cameroon's National Forest and Environment Sector Development Programme (FESP):
The FESP’s main objective is to strengthen public and private sector efforts towards achieving socio-economically and ecologically sustainable management of forest and savanna ecosystems.>> Biodiversity conservation and management:
Participatory biodiversity conservation plans are being developed and implemented for seven sites in the species-rich lowland forests of south-east Cameroon and parts of the northern savannah ecosystem. The capacity of natural resource management institutions is being strengthened through financing zoological and biological inventories, by providing equipment, training and technical assistance, and through 'twinning' between the National Herbarium and Kew Botanical Gardens and the National Herbarium of France.>> Preparation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan:
To assist Cameroon in meeting its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity through a cost-effective approach in the context of national sustainable development efforts, and to report to the Convention on progress achieved in implementing agreed commitments.>> Clearing house mechanism enabling activity:
This project will assist the national Government to meet its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.>> Community-based conservation in the Bamenda Highlands:
The objective of the programme is to support the efforts of the Government of Cameroon in general, and the people of the North West Province in particular, to conserve the forest by: raising widespread awareness of the importance of the forest; supporting the development of management and control systems for the sustainable management of forests; and providing communities with the capacity to manage resources sustainably (by demonstrating ways of enhancing forest values, and providing advice on ways of sustainably increasing production from land outside the forests).>> Support to the National Biosafety Framework for Cameroon:
The overall objective of this project is to develop and strengthen the capacity of the Government of Cameroon in order to implement the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety by 1) supporting the entry into force and implementation of the national legislation; 2) strengthening national biosafety facilities; 3) training key stakeholders; 4) establishing a National Information System to be linked to the National Biosafety Clearing House; and 5) promoting public awareness.>> Back to top
UNDP Equator Prize Finalists and Winners:
>> Support Group for Conservation and Sustainable Development Initiatives (CACID) (Equator Prize 2002 Finalist)
There is growing consensus that co-management approaches to natural resource management offer great hope for ensuring that local biodiversity conservation efforts are not only successful, but also simultaneously able to improve the lot of communities who rely on biological resources for food, shelter, and other needs.
In Cameroon, CACID, a regional NGO works with local communities in the Waza-Lagone floodplain, provides an excellent example of the successes in biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction that are attainable through a dedication to participatory co-management. Since 1992, CACID has rallied stakeholders in a partnership based on sound natural resource management and small-scale eco-development and has not only had success in restoring the ecological fabric of the floodplain, but has also successfully promoted opportunities for sustainable income generation.
Home to a 170,000 ha UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and rich in plant and animal species, the biological systems of the Waza-Lagone floodplain were devastated by construction a large hydroelectric dam in 1979. Since the highly biodiverse flood plain was also intensively used for fisheries and agriculture by local people, this destruction impeded the ability of local people to earn an income. To tackle this problem, however, CACID initiated a management committee linking park management and riverside communities, and led efforts to restore the hydrological balance of the plain, encourage regrowth of vegetation and allow re-emergence of the wetlands. Biodiversity conservation has been successfully addressed by restoration of wetland and other floodplain ecosystems. Working committees now exist at both local and regional levels to address the needs of the whole floodplain system and the local communities that rely on it for their livelihoods. Ecotourism and environmental education form cornerstones of CACID's approach and, with forty percent of tourism revenues going to communities, have helped to ensure opportunities for sustainable income generation by residents of the floodplain.
Poverty reduction efforts have been focused on promoting rain-fed rice culture, improving food security, launching a community-run ecotourism village (including a restaurant run by women and a lodge run by men), selling of farm produce, and controlling disease by ensuring a potable water supply and sanitary latrines. Through these efforts and a dedication to inclusive planning for the future of Waza National Park and its inhabitants, CACID has helped to ensure that both the biodiverse floodplain and its communities will enjoy the benefits of enduring sustainability for generations to come.
>> Back to top
>> ITOH Community Graziers Common Initiative Group (Equator Prize 2004 Finalist)
This multi-faceted Cameroonian NGO was founded in response to a 1992 ban on farming and grazing in the rare, high-altitude Kilum Mountain Forest. Facing limited access to resources for both themselves and their animals, 60 community members from two ethnic groups banded together to manage their limited resources and improve livelihoods by protecting their watershed, ensuring a constant supply of potable water to their community and reducing conflict between graziers. As a key component of their work, ITOH has replanted 30,000 trees to protect the fragile watershed, to provide essential shade, and as a source of medicine and fodder. The promotion of sustainable beekeeping and the sale of healthier livestock, honey and forage seeds have brought increased incomes for local people and are helping to ensure that the educational and health needs of community members are met.
>> Back to top