Mountain Partnership

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Cameroon

National Committee

The national committee in Cameroon was created by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry officially established in September 2002. The committee's agenda was to organize activities to celebrate the Year and raise public awareness of mountain issues. It also undertook to create a database on all the mountain ecosystems in Cameroon, as well as formulating a programme for the sustainable development of mountain ecosystems. It was stipulated that this programme should include projects to undertake further research into soil types, the condition of forests, water and other natural resources, and into the risks of natural disasters in these areas. In general terms the programme of action aims to combat desertification, improve synergy between agriculture and forestry, promote alternatives to wood as an energy source, and raise awareness among local populations to guard against natural disasters, as well as involving local communities in decision-making. The committee met on a regular basis (twice-monthly) throughout the year. It used the Web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to publicize activities for the Year.

Composition

The president of the committee was Jean Baptiste Baskouda, Secretary General of Environment and Forestry and the Focal Point was Menyé Mbassi. Members were drawn from various government departments.

Activities and achievements during the International Year of Mountains

International

The focal point of the national committee attended the Second World Meeting of Mountain Populations in Quito.

National

Various events were organized in mountainous areas of the country, notably in the far north and the province of Adamaoua, in the central region of Yaoundé and surrounding area, in the provinces of the north and north-west and in the coastal and south-western regions. Among these events a special Mountain Day was organized in each of the regions, with fairs to promote local mountain products, round table discussions and lectures on health, education, drilling, reforestation and the prevention of natural catastrophes.

Research

A database was created on all the mountain ecosystems of Cameroon and their characteristics, as well as identifying areas at risk. The study indicated that unregulated deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and consequent problems of erosion and landslides are the principal risks in forested mountain areas. In coastal and urbanized areas the main concerns are atmospheric pollution and unregulated land use. Measures also need to be taken to protect water resources, and there is a significant problem of gas pollution in lakes Nyos and Njinoun.

Beyond the International Year of Mountains

At the end of the year the national committee was transformed into a Permanent Committee charged with overseeing the National Programme for Sustainable Mountain Development.

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