Cameroon: A dialogue for change

Indigenous communities know the forests of Cameroon better than anyone does. They have lived on these lands for centuries and are familiar with every twist, turn and secret they have to offer. But as the threats and pressures facing these lands multiply, there is a growing need to engage local and indigenous peoples in conservation programmes to help them safeguard the forests they rely on.

In October 2017, WWF participated in the 57th General Assembly of the Réseau Recherches Actions Concertées Pygmées (RACOPY). The aim was to dialogue with indigenous communities like the Baka and to understand from them how conservation can help protect and promote their rights and encourage sustainable development in and around the forest.
 

At the meeting, WWF sought to understand directly from the indigenous communities their concerns and expectations from local conservation projects and how they wish to engage with them.

“Our priority is to work with Cameroon’s indigenous communities, for them and the forests they rely on. We believe dialogue and collaboration are key to understanding the issues they face and identifying how conservation activities can help address them,” said Moise Nkono Bidzo, Indigenous Peoples Officer, WWF-Cameroon. “We are looking forward to working with a coalition such as RACOPY which includes several local actors, to create lasting and meaningful impact.”

As local organizations, RACOPY members work closely on the ground with Cameroon’s many indigenous communities. As part of WWF’s work with RACOPY, the conservation organization has requested members to conduct consultations with local communities on conservation programmes and share feedback in an upcoming meeting in Lomie.

Speaking on WWF’s support to RACOPY, Ajina Ernest, President of Baka Association of Boumba and Ngoko Division, said “This is a wonderful initiative by WWF and I wish that this consultation is extended to all Baka communities living around national parks. I am optimistic that this initiative will greatly improve the way WWF works with Baka on the field.”