A two-day seminar on conservation based on human rights was recently held in Voko, a locality in the Faro department of Cameroon's North region. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) organized the event in partnership with PAC and TANGO, bringing together around 40 participants from conservation services, defense and security forces, justice, and wildlife preservation organizations. The seminar aimed to promote natural resource management based on human rights, transparency, and collaboration with local populations.
The seminar was held in response to allegations of abuse involving law enforcement actors in the region. According to Antony Agbor, Faro landscape director, cases of excessive force, arbitrary detention, and abuse of authority have been reported, potentially damaging trust between local communities and conservation structures. The seminar sought to address these concerns and promote a more collaborative approach to conservation.
The training program covered five main themes, including the national and international legal framework applicable to conservation. The event provided a platform for participants to discuss the importance of human rights in conservation and explore ways to improve collaboration with local communities. The seminar also aimed to strengthen the capacity of conservation actors to manage natural resources in a sustainable and equitable manner.
The North region of Cameroon is home to a rich biodiversity, with several protected areas and conservation initiatives. However, conservation efforts have often been hampered by conflicts with local communities, who may view conservation as a threat to their livelihoods. The seminar aimed to address these concerns and promote a more inclusive approach to conservation.
The event was part of AWF's efforts to promote human rights-based conservation in Cameroon. The organization has been working in the country for several years, supporting conservation initiatives that balance the needs of local communities with the need to protect wildlife and their habitats. The seminar was seen as an important step towards achieving this goal.
Participants at the seminar welcomed the initiative and expressed their commitment to promoting human rights-based conservation in the region. They also highlighted the need for continued training and capacity-building to ensure that conservation efforts are effective and sustainable. The seminar was seen as a positive step towards improving collaboration between conservation actors and local communities.
The AWF-organized seminar is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable conservation practices in Cameroon. The organization is working with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop conservation strategies that balance human needs with environmental protection. The seminar in Voko was an important milestone in this effort, and its outcomes are expected to contribute to more effective conservation practices in the region.
Key points
- The seminar aimed to promote natural resource management based on human rights, transparency, and collaboration with local populations.
