The Restoration Initiative’s (TRI) project in Cameroon tackled ecosystem degradation in a diverse array of landscapes across the magnificently biodiverse coastal country. The restoration, maintenance and sustenance of the degraded Sudano-Sahel Savannah of the Waza Landscape, forest margins and agroecosystems in Mbalmayo, and the vast mangrove ecosystems in Douala-Edea spanning over 400,000 hectares, is essential for conserving ecological balance and a symbiosis between the land and its people. However, these vibrant ecosystems of Cameroon have suffered degradation as a result of numerous different threats, such as a lack of governance, harmful agricultural practices, rapid urbanization, and exploitative land use. TRI worked to mitigate the negative impacts of these challenges by way of multiple restoration efforts and strategies, largely involving the introduction of indigenous bamboo species.
A National Treasure
TRI’s project in Cameroon aimed to restore degraded ecosystems by developing a local industry of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), including bamboo. Bamboo, once considered a worthless resource, is now regaining its importance due to its ecological and economic benefits. Indigenous to Cameroon, bamboo grows rapidly in rough soils, stabilizes loose earth, and prevents erosion. It can also be harvested for construction material, furniture, food, and fuel, providing an alternative income stream that reduces pressure on natural forests. Uncovering the ecological utility of this abundant resource presented the locals of Cameroon with the means to relieve the pressure on overly exploited ecosystems and gradually veer from structurally engrained land misuse.
Innovative Approaches and Milestones
The TRI project in Cameroon made remarkable progress in restoring degraded lands and supporting local communities. As of June 2024, 825 hectares of land were brought under restoration and 17,571 hectares of land were brought under improved management – largely accounted for by the establishment of a thriving local NTFP industry, exercising the utility of bamboo as well as benefiting from sustainable charcoal production, alongside new and improved agroforestry strategies. These restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the ecological resilience of the region, providing healthy habitats for indigenous species and stabilizing soils to prevent erosion.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the project’s success. The project impacted the lives of 5,009 direct beneficiaries as of June 2024, through activities such as training on restoration practices, seedling supply, plantation establishment, value chain development, and material, technical, and financial support for ongoing restoration efforts. By empowering local communities with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their landscapes sustainably, the project fostered a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
The production of over 600,000 seedlings through twelve nurseries, including over 400,000 NTFP, 160,000 bamboo, and 57,000 mangrove seedlings, were instrumental in establishing and managing bamboo and NTFP plantations. These plantations not only provide crop shade and diversify farm biodiversity but also offer alternative revenue streams for local farmers. This diversification improved the livelihoods of many community members, reducing their dependence on traditional forest resources and contributing to economic stability.
In addition to ecological and economic benefits, the project also made strides in policy support and development. The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) has been supported in developing and operationalizing an electronic exchange platform to facilitate deal-making between suppliers and buyers of bamboo and NTFP products. This platform also aids in the collection, storage, and processing of commercialization of restoration products. Furthermore, a manual on FLR good practices in Cameroon has been elaborated in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature, and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED).
Future Directions for Cameroon’s Forests
The consistency and determination of local communities, coupled with the innovative approaches employed by TRI, continue to drive sustainable land use. By integrating bamboo and other NTFPs, the project not only enhances the ecological resilience of local ecosystems, but also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for locals. Looking ahead, TRI aims to continue scaling up FLR efforts, leveraging new funds to sustain and expand project activities. An Expression of Interest has been submitted, and a Project Identification Form (PIF) has been elaborated for GEF-8 STAR Country Allocations on Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Land Degradation. Lastly, Cameroon submitted a new project proposal under the GEF-8 Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program to continue with the impact of TRI and sustain restoration efforts within the country.