Economic Evaluation of Campo Ma'an National Park, Southern Cameroon: An Estimate of the Expected Benefits from the Conservation or Exploitation of Natural Forest Resources.

Abstract:

How is it that, despite its rich and unique biodiversity, Campo Ma'an National Park contributes so little to economic development and its integrity is severely threatened by poaching, land encroachment, and other forms of encroachment? This situation has led to a reflection on whether to maintain the Park's current status or convert it to a protected area. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) provides a theoretical framework and relevant, objective tools for enabling the choice between exploiting and conserving natural resources through the calculation of Total Economic Value (TEV). TEV represents the range of economic benefits that a conserved natural asset can provide to the human community The annual economic value (TEVa) of the park for the conservation scenario was estimated at USD 77,712,710, while the TEVa of the park favorable to exploitation was calculated at USD 77,105,472. The relative advantage of TEVa for conservation over exploitation can be explained by the low contribution of tourism to the local and regional economy, the low financial contribution to conservation, and the conflictual relationships between stakeholders. The study revealed that local communities (97%) are more interested in the park for its economic benefits and show less interest in conservation, believing that their activities cause less damage to the environment than those of other stakeholders. Furthermore, 93.37% of the populations are in favor of converting the Park for development, only if social or community projects are implemented, such as the creation of a communal forest, the construction of a dam, a port, a road, etc.