Abstract:

How can an adapted forest management resources programme can be put in place in and around a complex environment such as the Campo M'an National Park (CMNP) located in the south region of Cameroon? The CMNP is part of a landscape made up of interdependent subsystems such as natural, physical, social, cultural, economic and financial, where the interests of major stakeholders prevail. The survey reveals that the local population is more interested in the park for its economic benefits, while the major stakeholders prefer its heritage and livelihood benefits. The survey shows that 83% of respondents express dissatisfaction with any form of co-management of natural forest resources. This level of dissatisfaction can be explained by: the population's non-acceptance of the designation of the CMNP; poor management of the benefits of the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline; low benefits from the tourism industry; organizational and material shortcomings in conservation services; and the failures of the project approach in improving the population’s living standard and live hoods. With regard to willingness to pay for conservation, 67% of respondents favor conservation over exploitation. The reasons for willingness to pay are: to ensure the sustainability of food supplies (30%); for future generations (25%); as an iconic location for developing tourism (20%); to have a place to walk (14%); and to preserve the land of the indigenous Bagyeli Pygmy peoples (11%). Based on the minimum wage in Cameroon, which is approximately USD 75, the willingness to pay for one respondent was estimated at USD 4,500 per year, which corresponds to two hours of work per day.