Context
Cameroon has rich and diverse forest ecosystems. They are vital for the livelihoods of the rural population and the country’s economy. At the same time, the forests are threatened by factors such as population growth, an increasing demand for wood for energy purposes, expanding agricultural activities, logging, infrastructure expansion, illegal activities and bush fires.
The forest sector suffers from a shortage of qualified and trained personnel. In addition, women and the indigenous population face discrimination in the management of natural resources, and are not adequately considered in the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
Cameroon’s Government has classed the use of forests and wood as a strategically important area in its National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30). In this strategy, it also recognises the significance of good governance when it comes to structurally transforming the economy and improving the employment situation.
Objective
The management of Cameroon’s environmental resources, especially its forest resources, is environmentally friendly and climate-sensitive.
Approach
The project supports the sustainable management of forest resources based on the principle of ‘conservation through utilisation’. It focuses on:
• Activities relating to the use of forest resources and biodiversity in communities, to promote the sustainable and inclusive management of forest resources.
• Promoting value chains for non-timber forest products for the benefit of the vulnerable local population.
• Improving the conditions for wood use, to encourage efficient, environmentally sensitive and climate-sensitive use of industrial wood residues from sawmills.
• Environmental education to increase levels of appreciation for natural resources, climate action and environmental protection, in order to restore landscapes and forests and to conserve biodiversity.