Cameroon Government, WWF sign convention to protect environment during execution of development projects

 WWF and Cameroon’s Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) have signed a partnership agreement to ensure respect for environmental and social norms in the implementation of a Program for the Management and Integrated Development of the Dja Mining Belt and Adjacent Border areas, known as PADI DJA. The program covers part of the south and east regions of Cameroon and includes sensitive and fragile ecological zones that provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including charismatic megafauna like elephants.

Louis Paul Motaze, Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development signed on behalf of the government while Dr. Hanson Njiforti, WWF Cameroon Country Director, signed for WWF, in the conference hall of the Ministry on November 7.

By this convention both parties have committed to promote and address environmental concerns and sustainable management of biodiversity in all activities carried out within the framework of PADI DJA which include participatory rural and community development and construction of infrastructure.

Respect of indigenous peoples rights
MINEPAT and WWF agreed to put in place a system to monitor the performance of staff working for the projects especially respect of rights of indigenous peoples. The signatories agreed to respect international standards related to free prior informed consent of local people before implementation of projects. In this light, MINEPAT will ensure the involvement of indigenous people in the development and management of resources identified by the program.

WWF will advise PADI DJA on the choice of sites for the development of infrastructure, especially the construction of roads, identification of fragile ecological zones and ensure biodiversity conservation priorities are integrated in the projects. WWF will also promote and ensure respect of good environmental and social practices by companies involved in the implementation of projects initiated by PADI DJA.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Louis Paul Motaze said that the convention establishes a formal link between WWF and MINEPAT. “This milestone agreement demonstrates Cameroon government’s readiness to seek the expertise of WWF to address social and environmental concerns before and during the implementation of big infrastructure and development programs like PADI DJA.” Motaze stated that the exploitation of minerals in the South and East Regions of Cameroon would inevitably engender huge social changes and upset the ecosystem. “We have sought the support of WWF, a very credible organization to accompany us in this process because we  believe in their expertise as exemplified by the work they have been doing in Cameroon for the past two decades,” he said.

Dr. Hanson Njiforti said during the signing that failure to include environmental considerations in development projects might have serious negative impact on people and the environment. "This could cause huge financial losses to the state that may have to spend  billions to mitigate impact," he said. Dr. Njiforti upheld Cameroon government's decision to involve WWF in the PADI DJA program and promised full collaboration and cooperation.

A Prime Ministerial decree created PADI DJA in 2014. Through this program, the Cameroon government envisages a vast infrastructural and socio-economic development of the east and south regions. A-1177km road network and creation of several industrial zones, construction of schools and an ambitious housing program are some of the projects planned for the area.

By soliciting the expertise and collaboration of WWF, the Cameroon government seems to make environmental protection its priority. The area covered by the program has important protected areas like the Dja Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Boumba-Bek and Nki national parks and the Ngoyla Mintom Forest Block, with rich biodiversity and mineral resources.