Protection Of Biodiversity: Sustain Efforts!

C ameroon is a biodiversity hotspot in Africa ranking fourth in floral diversity and fifth in faunal diversity within the continent. Cameroon is home to an esti­ mated 409 species of mammals, 183 species of reptiles, 849 species of birds, 190 species of amphibians and over 9000 plants species. Additionally, its diverse eco­ systems are representative of 92 per cent of Africa’s ecosystems, thus earning it the name “Africa in miniature”. Cameroon’s biodiversity comprises of six main ecosystems notably coastal/marine, tropical dense forest, tropical wooded savanna, semi-arid, montane and fresh water ecosystems. The country also prides itself with the second largest forest area in the Congo Basin, with about 45 per cent of its surface area covered by forests. Indeed, the natural environment and landscape of the country provides abundant resources that can turn things around for the national economy. The country’s biodiversity underpins its economy, contributing significantly to the wellbeing of the people especially the rural population. Agriculture, forestry, fishing are prominent biodiversity- driven economic activities, representing about 15 per cent of the GDP and employing a majority of the workforce. According to the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, about 80 per cent of the rural popula­ tion are engaged in biodiver­ sity-driven activities on which their livelihoods depend. Little wonder the World Bank in 2025 described it as the “Green gold” in its economic update titled “Cameroon’s Green Gold: Unlocking the Value of Forest and Natural Capital.” Given its economic and socio-cultural importance therefore, Cameroon’s biodiversity is under pressure for human ac­ tivities including agricultural encroachment, development projects, mining, logging, and poaching amongst others. It therefore goes without saying that the government and its partners should not only sustain conservation efforts but should equally step up strategies to unlock the huge economic potentials inherent in the rich biodi­ versity heritage. For the past years, the government and its several in­ ternational and national conservation partners have been working to safeguard the rich biodiversity. For now, Cameroon boasts of over 36 protected areas including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and faunal reserves. The creation of protected areas is a strategic effort towards conserving the biodiversity. According to WWF, 22 per cent of national territory is classified under protected areas out of the 33 per cent targeted by the government. Also, as part of efforts to tighten conservation of biodiversity, the government in 2024 reviewed the 1994 Forestry and Wildlife Law. The new legal instrument which replaces the 30-year-old law, strengthens com­ munity rights, imposes heavier penal ties for wildlife crimes and institutes a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for projects in protected areas, among other measures. It is also worth recalling that Cameroon has just finalized its new National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan submitted as requirement before COP17 which ended a few days ago in Yerevan. Cameroon was among the 113 countries that submitted new Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and was hailed for meeting up with the re­ quirement. The new Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan make biodiversity a central pillar of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 for economic trans­ formation. It also makes Biodiversity Management Plan mandatory for all development projects (palm, cocoa, rubber plantations and infrastructure) as study shows 50 per cent of threats come from development. Furthermore, Cameroon has just validated the Landscape Project which combines biodiversity protection and local economic growth. The initiative backed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and financed by Global Envi...