CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Oku is a hub of cultural and ecological diversity located in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. It is famous for its traditional governance systems, annual festivals, sacred forests, and natural attractions like Lake Oku. These features make Oku a vital tourism destination. However, the ongoing Anglophone crisis since 2016 has disrupted touristic activities, affecting cultural and natural heritage preservation. While tourism offers opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange, it also poses challenges, including environmental degradation and the commercialization of cultural traditions (International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences, 2022; Wikipedia, 2024).

1.1. Background of the study

Forests are vital ecosystems, recognized as biodiversity hotspots that provide critical livelihoods for adjacent communities and act as safety nets, particularly during times of personal, social, and familial hardship (FAO, 2020). For many indigenous populations, forests form the foundation of social organization, cultural survival, and identity. These relationships are deeply rooted in history and manifest in customary practices regarding the sustainable management of forest resources (Foncha, 2012; IUCN & WWF, 2019). However, increasing exploitation of forest resources has led to severe biodiversity degradation, prompting the need for sustainable conservation strategies (Wunder, 2017).

The Mount Oku Forest in the Northwest Region of Cameroon is an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot. It boasts a high level of endemism, with unique flora and fauna species, making it essential for ecological balance and a critical part of the cultural and economic lives of local communities (Frederick & Nguh, 2020). Over the past three decades, however, the Mount Oku ecosystem has faced rapid degradation. To address this, the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry (MINEF), in collaboration with BirdLife International, established the Kilum-Ijim Forest Project (KIFP) in 1995. This initiative aimed to conserve the forest’s biodiversity while ensuring its sustainable use by local communities (Thomas et al., 2019).

The KIFP introduced an inclusive management strategy, where local communities served as primary managers, with traditional authorities and government bodies providing coordination, conflict resolution, and technical support. This strategy created a zoning system based on the Biosphere Reserve Concept, consisting of core conservation areas, buffer zones, and multiple-use zones. These zones allowed for biodiversity conservation, research, and community development while minimizing environmental degradation (FAO, 2012).

Ecotourism was a cornerstone of the conservation strategy. It capitalized on the region’s unique natural and cultural assets, including the scenic beauty of Mount Oku, endemic species, and Lake Oku. By integrating local communities into the management process, ecotourism served as both a conservation tool and a means of economic diversification (Manu & Kuuder, 2012). Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) models were adopted, emphasizing local control and benefit-sharing to enhance environmental sustainability and socio-economic development (IUCN & WWF, 2019; UNWTO, 2018).

Cultural and natural heritage preservation have also emerged as integral components of the ecotourism framework. Cameroon, a microcosm of Africa with over 250 ethnic groups, is rich in cultural and historic assets, including annual celebrations, folklore, and traditional crafts (Yenshu, 2011). Cultural tourism has gained prominence as a means of promoting destinations and fostering sustainable development. It offers visitors opportunities to experience the tangible and intangible heritage of communities while generating economic benefits (National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2008; Singh Sagar, 2011).

Despite its potential, the sustainable development of ecotourism and cultural tourism in regions like Mount Oku faces challenges such as resource overexploitation, limited infrastructure, and inadequate stakeholder collaboration. This study seeks to address these gaps by examining:

1. a) Livelihood activities contributing to biodiversity destruction,
2. b) Ecotourism potentials and conservation practices,
3. c) Benefits of ecotourism, and
4. d) Changes in household income levels before and after the introduction of ecotourism.

By focusing on the Mount Oku Forest, this study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between tourism, conservation, and rural livelihoods, offering insights into sustainable development strategies in biodiversity-rich regions.

1.2. Problem Statement

Tourism has the potential to enhance cultural and natural heritage preservation by generating awareness and income. However, unmanaged tourism can lead to resource overexploitation and cultural erosion. In Oku, these challenges are exacerbated by the Anglophone crisis, which has reduced tourist inflows and strained local preservation efforts (Tourism and Commerce Bear Brunt of Cameroon Crisis, 2024). This study explores the multifaceted impacts of tourism in Oku and proposes strategies for sustainable heritage management.

1.3. Objectives

1.3.1. General Objective:

To analyze the impact of tourism on the preservation of cultural and natural heritage in Oku.

1.3.2. Specific Objectives:

1. To identify the main touristic activities in Oku
2. To determine the challenges faced by those activities
3. To access how the challenges faced by these touristic sites can be overcome
4. To make suggestions and recommendations on the preservation of cultural and natural heritage in Oku.

1.4. Research Questions

1.4.1. General Research Question:

How do touristic activities impact cultural and natural heritage preservation in Oku, Cameroon?

1.4.2. Specific Research Questions:

1. What are the main touristic activities in Oku?
2. What challenges are faced by these touristic activities in Oku?
3. How can the challenges faced by these touristic sites be addressed?

What suggestions and recommendations can be made to enhance tourism and heritage preservation in Oku?