Forests in 300 years and actions now to secure them
The ninth meeting of MegaFlorestais was held on May 5-9, 2014, and was co-hosted by the Cameroonian Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, in cooperation with the Rights and Resources Initiative. Delegations of the following countries/organizations attended the meeting: Cameroon, Canada, China, COMIFAC, DR Congo, Gabon, Indonesia, Sweden, and the USA.
The meeting in Buea focused on “Forests in 300 years and actions now to secure them” continuing the focus on forest tenure and governance, policy and regulations. In addition, the meeting discussed market and business trends affecting forest lands use and markets, and how agencies should respond to new demands for forest lands. As always, experts from around the world presented global perspectives on all of these issues.
Topics discussed
- The Future of Forest and Citizen Demand;
- Challenges in Managing Tropical Forests;
- The State of Climate Change and Carbon Rights;
- Rethinking Conservation for the 21st Century; and
- Forest Agencies of the 21st Century – Reflection on the key principles.
Field trip: Visit to Bokwango, Limbe’s botanic garden and wildlife refuge center, and Alpicam timber processing factory
The group visited Bokwango to learn more about Mount Cameroon National Park and see how the 41 surronding villages have taken more active roles in conservation, especially through the example of the co-management of Prunus Africana.
The group then visited Limbe’s 120 year old botanic garden. It is part of the Cameroonian authorities’ conservation efforts and preserves endangered species and plant varieties while enhancing the livelihoods of local communities nearby through honey production, craft, etc. At the wildlife refuge center, participants saw how endangered species or hurt animals are being protected and reintroduced in their natural habitat. In its 20 years of activity, the center has rescued nearly 4500 animals (primates, birds, small mammals and reptiles).
Lastly, the group visited Alpicam, a certified and high value timber processing factory in Bonaberi (Douala).
Resources
- Synopsis (including the agenda and list of participants) Available in English and French
- Video of the event
Presentations
- Bruno Mfou’ou Mfou’ou – Introduction to Cameroonian Forests
- Don Roberts – Two Key Trends in the Global Forest Sector: The Growth of China and Bio-Energy
- Alain Karsenty – Trends for Investments, Industry and Trade
- Jenny Springer – Progress and Slowdown in Forest Tenure Reform since 2002
- Cecile Ndjebet – Community Forest Enterprises in Cameroon
- Paolo Cerutti – Emerging Lessons for FLEGT and Implications for Local Enterprises and Communities
- Solange Bandiaky-Badji – Land Reforms in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Empowerment of Local Communities
- Wale Adeleke – Status of REDD+/Forest Governance in Central Africa: Challenges of Implementation
- Andy White – Establishing Forest Carbon Markets in Tropical Countries: Community Rights and Carbon Trade
- Alain Karsenty – REDD+, Nested Approach and Carbon Rights
- Wale Adeleke – International Commitments and Guidance for Rights-based Conservation: International Instruments and IUCN policies
Related publications
- J. Blaser and H. Gregersen, Forests in 300 years (English | French | Spanish)
- Baker & McKenzie, Carbon rights in Australian States
- Baker & McKenzie and the Cambridge Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research, Designing National Legal Frameworks for REDD
- Rights and Resources Initiative, Lots of Words, Little Action (also available in French and Spanish)
- Rights and Resources Initiative, What Future for Reform? (also available in French and Spanish)