Gov’t Backpedals on Logging Concession in Ebo Forest

The Cameroon Government has revoked a decree approving two logging concessions of 68,385 hectares in the Nkam and Sanaga-Maritime divisions in the Littoral Region, that was going to jeopardize the existence of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, grey parrots and other threatened and endangered species in that part of the country.

According to a press release published, August 11, 2020, by the Secretary General at the Prime Minister, the logging concessions were cancelled by the Prime Minister and Head of Government following Decree N°2020/3900/PM of August 6 2020, on the instruction of the Head of State.

The Prime Minister had July 14, 2020 signed a decree approving a logging concession in the Ebo Forest. This decision harvested petitions and widespread online condemnation from biodiversity conservation zealots, most of whom wondered why the government would sacrifice a globally important ecosystem and natural heritage for a short-term gain.  The US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Tobor Nagy, declared his country’s desire to save the Forest, and encouraged the Cameroon Government to work with local communities to develop and inclusive land-use plan for the area.

This change of decision by the Cameroon Government has no doubt renewed confidence in the  Government’s desire to honour its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to protect species and their habitats. It has further resonated hope on the project to transform the Ebo Forest into a national park, announced in 2006 by the Government.  Though a step in the right direction, there is still need for conservation activists and non-profit organizations to redouble efforts against the growing threats to biodiversity the world over.

By Ndimuh B. Shancho