Abstract

This paper presents a critical appraisal of the protection of wildlife in Cameroon, exploring the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks, conservation efforts, and the challenges faced in preserving biodiversity in this ecologically rich nation. Cameroon’s diverse habitats, ranging from rainforests and savannas to coastal ecosystems, are home to a myriad of species, some of which are critically endangered. The study examines the various laws and regulations enacted by the Cameroonian government aimed at wildlife protection, including the Wildlife Law of 1994 and its subsequent amendments.The analysis delves into the implementation of these laws, highlighting both successes and shortcomings. It assesses the role of government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities in wildlife conservation efforts. The paper also explores the impact of human activities such as deforestation, poaching, and urbanization on wildlife populations and habitats.Furthermore, the study addresses international cooperation in the context of wildlife conservation, examining Cameroon’s participation in global conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Challenges such as inadequate funding, corruption, and limited enforcement capabilities are critically analyzed to understand their implications for effective wildlife protection.In conclusion, the paper proposes recommendations for strengthening wildlife protection in Cameroon. These include enhancing legal enforcement, increasing community engagement, and improving collaboration with international conservation bodies.

Keywords: Cameroon, wildlife protection, Appraisal, conservation, biodiversity, endangered species, CITES, environmental law, habitat preservation, poaching, deforestation.

Chapter One: General Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Wildlife in Cameroon is renowned for its wealth both in quantity and quality. More than half of the bird and mammal species existing in Africa are found in this country[1]. Belonging to one of the biggest worldwide homes for biodiversity, Cameroon is at the 5th rank in Africa[2], for this wealth after the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Tanzania and South Africa. This country contains at least 21 % of fish species, 48 % of mammals, 54 % of birds, 50 % of known species of the continent’s amphibians, as well as 30 – 75 % of reptiles, 42 % of butterflies species listed in Africa[3]. For local populations, wildlife constitutes first of all an important source of food. In central Africa, game constitutes the main source of animal protein and therefore plays an essential role in people’s diet.[4]

The management of wildlife resources in Cameroon has witnessed deep changes. Throughout history, laws and regulations have succeeded one after the other. To understand the current policy, it is sometimes important to trace back this evolution as far as possible. Thus, in this chapter, we are proposing to review the historical evolution of the management of wildlife from the colonial period till present date. Beginning from Cameroonian independence the introduction of new laws attempted to correct the perceived abuses and inconsistencies of rules from the colonial period. The statement of the problem, the research objectives, and research questions. It also highlights the research methodology, examines relevant literature review and theories that relate to the subject matter, justifies and provides significance of the study, defines key terms as used in the study and mentions the synopsis of the other chapters of the study. This chapter therefore, sets the pace for the research, and situates the context and perspective of this work.

• BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Historical evolution

Historically, with the colonial period, a monopolistic system of forest and wildlife resources management was developed. In Cameroon under the French mandate, one of the first act relating to forest management was the decree of 11 August 1920 that distinguished two principal categories of lands: on one hand, lands controlled by the German administration, and on the other hand, lands controlled by the “indigenous people” and the different villages. Any other piece of land not classified under the above cited categories was considered as “vacant land and without master” (“terres vacantes et sans maîtres”) and was de facto incorporated in the domain of the authority governing. In 1959, this notion of “vacant land and without master” which has already created so much controversy was abolished. It was replaced in the forthcoming legislation by the expression “National Domain”.[5]

Throughout the colonial period, the forest and wildlife legislation emphasised on regulating the simple utilisation of forest and wildlife resources by local people, in contrast to allocating factual property rights. The decisions of June 11th 1935 and September 26th 1946 put in place a procedure for the allocation of exploitation titles, also mentioning the logger’s obligations. This led to an absolute centralised management of forest space. The authority in power was the single manager of forest and wildlife resources. On one hand, the allocation of the above mentioned resources obeyed the current political orientation. On the other hand, the central authorities always kept an eye on the attributed concessions. The “royalty” system (taxes and fees paid to the state) was the rule.[6]

Within this context, the aspirations of the local populations were not necessarily taken into consideration. This led to the first irrational mode of resource management. Monopolisation of power led to an impression of marginalisation which, according to the populations, make them become foreigners in lands they have been occupying and using for centuries. It was during the colonial era that the first conflicts relating to the exploitation of natural resources started. The frustrated populations have often manifested their anger in different ways: disobedience, refusal to cooperate, violent manifestations, etc. It was from this point that certain nationalist movements were created against the violent arbitrary treatment that usually followed the dispossession of the indigenes from their land. As such, the forthcoming legislations had to try to correct these errors.[7]

After independence and within the context of clearing-off the colonial text in the domain of forest resource management, the Cameroonian legislator adopted the law n° 81 – 13 of November 27th 1981 laying down forest, wildlife and fisheries regulations. This was the first ever existing and most elaborated forest code of the post-colonial era. Articles 13 and 22 of this text distinguished 4 principal categories of forest: Public forest, state own private forest, community forest, and individual forest. It was followed by a number of regulations, notably the decree n° 83/170 of 12 April 1983 laying down the wildlife regulations. These texts defined the regime applicable to hunting activities up to 1994 which marked the adoption of another forest law. The Cameroonian legislative policy in the domain of wildlife can be perceived through the following aspects:

• Institutions;
• Access to resources;
• Exercise of hunting right;
• The regulation on offences prosecution.

Before 1980, there was a unique structure governing wildlife and forest: This was the infamous Service of Water and Forest (Eaux et des Forêts) of the Agriculture Department. In the early 1980s, wildlife and protected areas were transferred to the administration of tourism. This transfer was instigated by the desire to favour the emergence of wildlife conservation which for a long time seemed to be a permanently neglected component of the management of natural resources.[8]

Up to 1992, the Directorate of forest remained attached to the ministry of agriculture in charge of the elaboration and the application of forestry legislation.

 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The legal and institutional framework for wildlife protection in Cameroon, particularly in the context of Mount Cameroon, faces significant challenges. In 1994, Cameroon implemented a new law aimed at granting local communities greater control over forests and wildlife. This move was primarily driven by donor conditions attached to Structural Adjustment Loans. Despite these efforts, the law’s implementation has been hindered by insufficient domestic support, conflicting interests, and the highly centralized nature of Cameroon’s administrative system.[9] These factors have collectively impeded the effective devolution of wildlife management, thus presenting considerable obstacles to the development of an integrated and forward-looking wildlife management policy.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research questions are divided into the main research question and specific research questions.

1.3.1 MAIN RESEARCH QUESTION

The question that needs to be examined in this research is: How effective is the current legal and institutional framework in Cameroon in protecting wildlife, particularly in the Mount Cameroon region, and what improvements can be made to enhance its effectiveness?

1.3.2 SPECIFIC RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the key legal provisions in Cameroon’s wildlife protection laws?
2. How effective are the institutional arrangements in Cameroon for enforcing wildlife protection laws,?
3. What are the main challenges and barriers to effective wildlife protection in  Cameroon under the current legal and institutional framework

What improvements can be made to enhance its effectiveness?         

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives are divided into main research objective and specific research objectives

1.4.1 MAIN OBJECTIVE

To critically evaluate the effectiveness of the current legal and institutional mechanisms in place for wildlife conservation.

1.4.2 SPECICIFIC OBJECTIVES

• To analyze and understand the current legal provisions and policies in Cameroon related to wildlife protection..
• To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the institutional structures and mechanisms in place for enforcing wildlife protection laws in  Cameroon .
• To identify and evaluate the main challenges, obstacles, and gaps within the existing legal and institutional frameworks that affect wildlife conservation in  Cameroon.
• To advance policy recommendations to enhance its effectiveness