Authorities in Cameroon have initiated an education and sensitization campaign for local populations on the new status of the Ebo forest massif. The campaign, led by traditional leaders, aims to inform and mobilize communities on the importance of a recent decree. The decree, signed by the Prime Minister on April 27, 2023, classifies 68,385 hectares of state-owned land as a forest management unit. This move is expected to facilitate the return of the Banen people to their ancestral lands after 60 years.
The education campaign was launched in the Lognanga and Ndockbiakat cantons, with traditional leaders, including Chiefs Gaston Dipita and Jean Paul Singha, playing a key role. The leaders explained the significance of the decree and its implications for the local communities. According to Chief Singha, the decree is a vital document that allows the communities to reclaim their villages and facilitates their return. He emphasized that the decree recognizes the history of the villages and provides a sense of security for the communities.
The decree, numbered 2023/01630/PM, is seen as a major breakthrough for the Banen people, who have been displaced for over six decades. The document not only provides a title for the communities to occupy their ancestral lands but also takes into account the interests of all stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on biodiversity conservation. The traditional leaders expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic for the decree, which they believe will bring an end to their prolonged displacement.
During the campaign, the traditional leaders engaged with local populations, addressing their concerns and clarifying the benefits of the decree. The leaders emphasized that the decree is not only a title of occupation but also a recognition of the communities' history and cultural heritage. They encouraged the populations to work together to facilitate their return to their ancestral lands and to ensure the sustainable management of the forest resources.
The Ebo forest massif is a significant ecological zone, and the new status is expected to ensure its conservation and sustainable management. The decree provides a framework for the involvement of local communities in the management of the forest, which is expected to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce conflicts over resources. The campaign is seen as a crucial step towards implementing the decree and ensuring the successful return of the Banen people to their ancestral lands.
The traditional leaders have called on the local populations to support the implementation of the decree and to work together to achieve the objectives of sustainable forest management and community development. They emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and government agencies.
The education and sensitization campaign is ongoing, with more communities expected to be reached in the coming weeks. The authorities have expressed their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the decree and to promoting sustainable development in the region. Key stakeholders are working together to ensure that the rights and interests of all parties are respected and that the initiative contributes to the overall development of the region.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government has launched an education campaign to inform local populations about the new status of the Ebo forest massif.
- The decree classifies 68,385 hectares of state-owned land as a forest management unit, facilitating the return of the Banen people to their ancestral lands.
- The campaign aims to promote sustainable forest management and community development in the region.
