CAMEROON The new locomotive of Western Africa Interview with Mr. Jean William Sollo, General Manager. Read our exclusive interview ONADEF NATIONAL FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Contact ONADEF Po Box 1341 Yaoundé Cameroon Tel: (237) 21 03 93 Fax/ (237) 21 53 50 onadef@camnet.cm Introduction With forests covering an area of 22 million hectares and producing 3.5 million m3 of timber, Cameroon’s has the second most important forestry reserve in Africa, and is the world’s sixth largest exporter of tropical timber. Economically, timber is the fourth largest export and makes up almost 10% of the gross national product. Cameroon’s forests are not only important from an economic point of view; they have numerous other functions, which are equally significant. For the riverside dwellers, the forests have not only economic, but also a social and cultural importance. For the international community, the importance of the forest is mainly ecological and scientific. It is an important component in the world’s natural forestry reserves. The decision-makers in Cameroon however, have not waited for the prompting of the international community – anxious to protect the world’s natural resources – to put in place long-standing plans for the protection of the forest. Over the last ten years, certain projects have been set up. Amongst them are: Forest inventory system Regeneration and reforestation of most of the tree species presently felled in the forest System of plantation creation Planning techniques of creating the various zones Classification of forest and creation of reforestation areas Adaptation of forestry laws and legislation into modern and effective forest management Experimental forestry integration projects In order to properly merge these projects for forestry development, it was necessary to establish an efficient organisation. The National Office of Forestry Development (ONADEF) was created the 23 February 1990 to lay the foundations of long-term development of Cameroon’s forests. Objectives and Policies Cameroon’s National Office of Forestry Development, ONADEF, forestry policy integrates both Cameroon’s and the international community’s preoccupation concerning the conservation of nature as well as the new concepts establish on a world scale in materials development and environmental developments. As for national forest management, it takes into consideration the people’s interest in its efforts to motivate them to better protect the environment. 5 principles: To guarantee the protection of our forestry patronage and to participate in saving the environment and bio-diversity. To improve the citizens’ involvement in the conservation and management of forestry resources in order to prolong their life span. To emphasis the importance of forestry resources in view of increasing its contribution to the GDP while simultaneously promoting its production potential. To optimise the forestry sector’s by setting up an efficient institutional system and by getting all of the players involved in forestry and environmental management. To support its policies, ONADEF has engaged in a number of actions including creating a special forestry development fund, the decentralisating forestry resource management, setting up protections for forestry ecosystem & habitants for fauns, financing forestry development activities through a number of programs, etc. ONADEF has placed a real emphasis on it effort to harmonise its forestry policies with those of regional and international conventions. Cameroon’s national wood production reaches 3.5 million m3 per year. (This figure does not include the wood that is abandoned, non-declared, etc. that brings this total figure up to around 6 millions m3) this means that its natural forestry production of 1.5 million trees per acre is too insufficient to replenish these natural resources compared to their rate of extraction. That is why it a regeneration policy is important in the production of 4 to 5 millions acres m3. To obtain this goal, a national five-year program of replanting is necessary. This program is needed in order to fight against the rich forestlands becoming deserts. ONADEF is there with the Government and its traditional partners remove the obstacles in forestry conservation. Regeneration of dense rain forests A precise study of the activities carried out by ONAREF and CENADEFO, has led to the following actions being taken on the orientation of regeneration: The suspension of major planning projects under government control. This operation has been momentarily suspended due to its high cost and unsatisfactory results. The continued conservation of young plantations and cloning experiments. The gradual replacement of state run plantations by the development of permanent natural forests. With this aim in mind, ONADEF has set up experimental projects and investigations into sustainable development, among which are the following: Experimental development of the SO’O LALA forestry reserve in Akonolinga Selective periodic development in the South Bakundu forestry reserve The management and regeneration project in the Mbalmayo forestry reserve. A number of studies are currently being carried out, namely preliminary studies for the project on the impact of the rural population on forestry development near NDOM. These studies will serve as a forerunner to other development projects in Cameroon. The following sum up the situation on the evolution of the projects currently being carried out by ONADEF. THE SO’O LALA PROJECT This project has three main objectives: The conception and finalisation of forestry techniques that take into account the demands of the local population. The training of competent forestry supervisors who will be called upon to observe the villagers as they carry out agro-forestry activities planned for the buffer zones. The conception of a model of development for other forestry zones with the same ecological characteristics. The So’o Lala project was launched in May 1992. The following activities are carried out: Sensibilisation of the population Delineation and demarcation of reserve areas Demarcation of the first management unit Socio-economic studies on agro-forestry Acquisition of diverse materials and structures Demarcation of agro-forestry and development areas Selection and training of supervisors and technicians Selection of foresters Drawing up of specific terms and conditions Determination and preparation of felling areas Training rural population THE SOUTH BAKUNDU PROJECT This project, which was launched in May 1993, aims to promote: The practical application of techniques aiming to improve the natural planting of natural forests through revitalisation The stepping up of forestry production activities The stabilisation of the rural population to curb the mass exodus Eight activities are being carried out: Diagnosis of the socio-economic situation Launching of the development plan of the reserve Provision of grants to the personnel on the project Acquisition of essential equipment and premises Sensitisation of the population Establishment of research procedures Updating of demarcation and delineation Expert appraisal and consultation (rural development, agro-forestry, rural economy) ODA-MBALMAYO PROJECT This project was launched in June 1991 and has six main goals: The development of the management potential and the conservation of the abundant forest The establishment of a technical guide of artificial regeneration The collection of socio-economic data as well as data on the environmental parameters of the project zone The establishment of a permanent training unit The identification and production of genetically improved plants Stimulation of village communities’ interest in forestry Numerous activities have been carried out to attain the project’s objectives, namely: Various construction activities A conservatory for propagation and cuttings Irrigation Cuttings in Ayous, Limba, Kalja Research on agro-forestry, meteorology, plant physiology etc… Training of personnel SIKOP (NDOM) PROJECT The objectives are: The protection of substantial forestry sites in dense forests The restoration of damaged zones in dense forests The participation of riverside dwellers in the context of community forestry Creation of a project to demonstrate the management of forest resources with the participation of the rural population Development of agro and social forestry This project was launched in 1992. Its activities include: Socio-economic analyses Cartography Studies on soil and soil degradation Team of international experts serving as technical advisors Merging the final report on studies and devising a project on the protection and the rehabilitation of the management of dense tropical forest with the participation of the local population Simultaneously, numerous development programmes for key forests have been developed within the framework of Integrated Exploitation Development (API), where the foresters are responsible for development operations. This is the case in the (API) project presently carried out at Dimako. The same applies to the proposed API projects in Nlobo and Edea. International partnerships Faced with the international community’s growing concern on the rapid deterioration of the environment, which is mainly due to anthropological effects, and the threats of environmentalists and some NGOs to boycott trade in tropical timber, many governments and international organisations have instituted policies aimed at protecting the environment. With this aim in mind, the International Organisation of Tropical Timber (OIBT)’s main objective is the stabilisation of international trade in tropical wood products. This ongoing process will ensure that in time, only timber from forests, which have benefited from this development, will be put on the market. As an active member of the OIBT, Cameroon has fashioned its forestry policies along the same lines. It should be noted, however, that Cameroon had already implemented a realistic management of its timber products by redefining its forestry policies in the following manner: the development of modern forestry to ensure that forests are exploited in the most judicious and profitable manner in order to guarantee the preservation of the ecosystem for both fauna and flora. Today, these policies are structured around specific trends: Rationalisation and perpetuation of the exploitation of resources Improvement of the wood’s return o by the increase in the number of species exploited Promotion of exploitation and use of secondary forestry products and the use of wood for energy, promotion of the use of wood in construction and equipment building Establishment of a long-term policy to protect natural resources. This policy will be based on statistics of reliable inventory within the framework of integrated regional development and operations of the genetic resources conservation. The increased participation of Cameroon nationals (small and medium enterprises) in forestry production; preparation of market studies adapted to them, and organisation of informative seminars for their benefit. Regularisation of converted timber Creation of new industrial forestry complexes Diversification of the forestry industry Validation of wood-energy channels Preservation of systematic development projects on forestry, closely linking regeneration and exploitation with the aim of stabilising this resource and stimulating the permanent interest of rural population towards the importance of protecting the forest and allowing it to be seen in its best light Preparation of a development plan for infrastructure Adapting forestry training to present and future needs Revision of forestry code to provide greater incentive for foresters and render them more attractive for development purposes To reinforce the supporting structures of forestry, to firmly establish the guiding principles of forestry and to control its execution and follow-up Application of the conventions of the new law; These options have inspired in depth studies namely by the Tropical Forestry Action Plan (PAFT), in the last five years. The actions already undertaken within this framework, aimed at attaining the long term development of Cameroon’s forests, are considerable and cover numerous areas, mainly: institutionalisation and legalisation; forestry exploitation; forest inventory, analysis; forestry production; protection of the environment; promotion of timber and timber industries; training; development projects and others. Promotion of timber and timber industries The promotion of timber, especially of little known species, will permit (through cuttings of a larger variety of species) the increase of the yield per hectare of Cameroonian’s forests. Consequently, the outcome will be more intensive forestry exploitation as opposed to an extensive exploitation of the forest. Through national television, ONADEF’s Mbalmayo Centre has launched a campaign to inform and educate people on this matter. This will help to promote the project on the little known species, financed with the assistance of the OIBT since 1989. With the help of CTFT, Cameroon has accumulated scientific information on over 60 of Cameroonian forest species. This information has been widely circulated to the interested parties at trade fairs and conferences. In addition to this, a project on the standard dimensions of sawing machines whose aim is to institute laws to ensure greater efficiency of forestry equipment has been adopted. Experimental development projects and studies of various areas Thanks to the co-operation offered by the international community, Cameroon has been able to set up numerous experimental development projects and carry out studies of various areas. The aim of this is to find a coherent and long-term means of developing its natural resources. These projects are namely: The integrated development project (API): this development project is run in partnership with a private corporation or individual who is responsible for felling and other initial activities The experimental development projects of So’o Lala, South Bakundu and Mbalmayo. These projects will yield valuable information for future development techniques Guiding instructions on the use of forest lands based on data from the national inventory of past surveys in order to propose the most suitable utilisation of the forest The creation of national directives on the sustainable development of Cameroon’s natural forest The enhancement of secondary species at a local level through the building of signs in solid restored wood Aside from these ongoing projects, numerous other studies, which contribute to the development of the forestry sector, have been executed or are currently being carried out. Study of national forestry economy Study of timber by-products Study of the internal timber market in Cameroon Study of primary timber conversion in Cameroon Preliminary study on industrial conversion of rubber tree wood in Africa In order to ensure sustainable development of its forests by the year 2001, training has not been neglected either. The creation of training institutions and the training of forestry personnel through educational courses and national and international seminars on forestry, are among the many measures, which have been taken by Cameroonian authorities to ensure effective management of the country’s natural resources. Agencies Mbalmayo Bafoussan Kumba Garoua Belabo Maroua Bamenda Edea Ngaoundere Nkongsamba Philosophy In its forestry management policy, ONADEF calls upon its “partners” including the administration, private operators and the river populations. The basis of its new forestry policies relies in its philosophy that fosters and develops functions that are economical, ecological and sociable. This integrated management style promises a long lasting conservation and use of resources and of forest ecosystems. Annexe çList of tree species GROUP 1 Code Name Scientific name Dimension (cm) 1101 Acajou a Grandes folioles Khaya grandifiole 80 1102 Acajou Blanc Khaya anthotheca 80 1103 Acajou de Bassam Khaya ivorensis 80 1104 Assamela Pericopsis elata 80 1105 Ayou/obeche Percopsis elata 80 1106 Azobé Triplochyton scleroxylon 60 1107 Bété Lophira alata 60 1108 Bossé clair Mansonia altissima 80 1109 Bosssé foncé Guarea cedrata 80 1110 Dibétou Guarea thompsoni 80 1111 Doussié blanc Lovoa trichilioides 80 1112 Doussié rouge Afzelia pachyloba 80 1113 Doussié sanaga Afzelia bipindensis 80 1114 Ebène Afzelia Africana 60 1115 Framiré Diospyros crassiflora 60 1116 Iroko Terminalia ivorensis 100 1117 Kossipo Milicia excelsa 80 1118 Kotibé Entandrophragma candollei 50 1119 Makoré/douka Nesogordonia papaverifera 50/60 1120 Moabi Tieghemella africana 100 1121 Okoumé Baillonnella toxisperma 80 1122 Sapelli Aucoumea klaineana 100 1123 Sipo Entandrophragma cylindricum 80 1124 Tiama Entandrophragma utile 80 1125 Tiama congo Entandophragma angolense 80 1126 Wengé Entandrophragma congoense 50 GROUP 2 Code Name Scientific Name Dimension 1201 ‘Aningré’ ‘A’ Aningéria altissima 60 1202 ‘Aningré’ ‘R’ Aninigéria robusta 60 1203 Avodiré Turreaenthus africanus 60 1204 Bahia Mitragyna ciliata 60 1205 ‘Bongo’ ‘H’ Fagara heitzii 60 1206 Budinga rouge Guibourtia demeusei 80 1207 Bubinga rose Guibourtia tessmannii 80 1208 Eyong Eribroma oblongum 50 1209 Longhi Gambeya africana 60 1210 Niangon Heritiera utilis 50 1211 Nkanang Sterculia rhinopetal 50 1212 Movingui Distemonanthus bentamianus 60 1213 Ozigo Dacryodes buettneri 50 1214 Pao rosa Swartzia fis tuloides 50 GROUP 3 Code Name Scientific Name Dimension 1301 Aiélé Canarium 60 1302 ‘Ako’ ‘A’ Antiaris Africana 60 1303 ‘Ako’ ‘W’ Antiaris welwichii 50 1304 Alep Desbordesia glaucescens 50 1305 Andoung brun Monopetalanthus microphillus 60 1306 Andoung rose Monopetalanthus letestui 60 1307 Angueuk Ongokea gore 50 1308 Bilinga Naiclea diderrichii 80 1309 Bodioa Anopysis klaineana 50 1310 Dabéma Piptadeniastrum africanum 60 1311 ‘Diana’ ‘Z’ Celtis zenkeiri 50 1312 Difou Morus mesozigia 60 1313 Ebiara Edéa Berlinia bracteose 50 1314 Ekaba Tetraberli bifoliolata 60 1315 Ekouné Coelocaryon preussi 50 1316 Emien Alstoniaboonei 50 1317 Etimoé Copaifera mildbraedii 60 1318 Eyek Pachyelasma tessmannii 50 1319 Faro Daniellia ogea 60 1320 Fraké/limba Terminalia superba 60 1321 Fromager Ceiba pentandra 50 1322 Gombé Didelotia letouzeyi 60 1323 Iantandza Albizia ferruginea 50 1324 Ilomba Pycnanthus angolensis 50/60 1325 Kondroti Rodognaphalon breviscuspe 50 1326 Koto Pteygota macrocarpa 60 1327 Kumbi Lannea welwitschii 50 1328 Landa Erythroxylum mannii 50 1329 Lati Amphimas ferrugineus 50 1330 Lati parallèle Amphimas pterocarpoïdes 50 1331 Limbali Gilbertiodendron dewevrei 60 1332 Mambodé Detarium macrocarpum 50 1333 Mukulungu Austranella congolensis 60 1334 Mutondo Funtumia elastica 50 1335 Naga Brachystegia cynometrioides 60 1336 Naga parallèle Brachystegia mildbreadii 60 1337 Nganga Cynometra hankei 60 1338 Niové Staudtia kamerunensis 50 1339 Oboto Mammea africana 50/60 1340 Odouma Gossweilerodendron joveri 80 1341 Okan Cylicodiscus gabonensis 60 1342 ‘Onzabili’ ‘K’ Antrocaryon klaineanum 50 1343 Osanga Pteleopsis hylodendron 50 1344 Padouk blanc Pterocarpus mildbraedii 60 1345 Padouk rouge Pterocarpus soyauxil 60 1346 Tali Erythropleum ivorense 50 1347 Tchitola dibamba Oxystigma mannii 60 1348 Tola Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum 100 1349 Zingana Microberlinia bisulcata 80   Read on   You can find the version published in Forbes Global or Far Eastern Economic Review © World INvestment NEws, 2001. This is the electronic edition of the special country report on Cameroon published in Forbes Global Magazine, October 1st, 2001. Developed by Agencia E.