Cameroon Validates Landscape Project Combining Biodiversity Protection with Local Economic Growth

Cameroon approved the project document for a new environmental restoration program on July 7, moving a UNEP-backed initiative aimed at improving land management across nearly 100,000 hectares one step closer to submission to the United Nations for final approval.

Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development Minister Hélé Pierre chaired the validation workshop in Yaoundé, where government officials, experts, civil society representatives and development partners reviewed the proposal. Supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project will run for 36 months if approved.

The program targets two biodiversity-rich landscapes: the Western Highlands, home to roughly 350,000 hectares of mountain forests under growing pressure from deforestation, and the Mpem-Djim landscape in the Centre Region, which spans about 542,000 hectares and includes the Mpem-Djim National Park.

The project aims to restore 10,000 hectares of degraded land and ecosystems, improve sustainable management practices across nearly 100,000 hectares and directly benefit 5,000 people, including 2,500 women and more than 500 members of Indigenous communities.

Beyond ecosystem restoration, the initiative seeks to promote resilient farming practices and support nature-based businesses as part of a broader effort to improve rural livelihoods while conserving biodiversity.

Minister Hélé Pierre said the two intervention areas were selected because they face mounting environmental and social pressures.

“These two areas were not chosen by chance. They reflect the pressures we are facing, including expanding agriculture that is encroaching on remaining forests and rural poverty that leaves communities with limited options. Conflicts between farmers and herders are intensifying under the effects of climate change, while women, who represent 70% of the agricultural workforce in the Western Highlands, continue to face limited land rights and restricted access to decision-making,” he said.

Project documentation estimates the initiative could prevent or remove the equivalent of 5.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over 20 years through ecosystem restoration, improved land governance and more sustainable production practices.

UNEP Task Manager Dr. André Toham said implementation would focus on four priorities: strengthening local governance, restoring degraded ecosystems through climate-resilient agricultural and pastoral practices, developing nature-based enterprises and sustainable value chains, and improving knowledge sharing and project monitoring.

The program also seeks to improve the management of more than 97,000 hectares within the Mpem-Djim National Park landscape while expanding community participation in biodiversity conservation. Once validated nationally, the project will be submitted to the United Nations system for the next stage of approval.

Mercy Fosoh