Mount Cameroon Site

The region

Mount Cameroon, with its altitude of 4,095 m, is the third highest mountain in Africa. The region is described as a biodiversity “hot spot”. The Mount Cameroon region consist of an array of habitats ranging from mangroves, coastal vegetation, tropical lowland forests, sub-montane and montane forests, grasslands and lava flows. The high montane forests are often covered by clouds and mists, that favour trees to be covered by ferns, orchids and mosses.

Forty-nine (49) plant species have been identified as endemics for the Mount Cameroon region. Of all the endemic bird species found in the Cameroonian highlands, twenty (20) are found here. Three (3) primates are endemic to the region: the mandrill, Preuss monkey and red-eared monkey. Finally, other large mammal species of high conservation value are present in significant number: (red-capped) mangabey, forest elephant, chimpanzees and Ogilb and Bay duikers.

The population of the region which amounts to 300,000 people, consists of the following indigenous ethnic groups: Bakweris, Bomoko and Balondo, who co-habit with a larger migrant population from other parts of Cameroon and from Nigeria. This cultural mix engenders different occupations varying from farming through fishing to harvesting of non-timber forest products.

The project

The intervention zone of the Mount Cameroon Project covers the two slopes of the volcano, the Atlantic coast, mangrove swamps and a number of forest reserves.

History of the project:

Mount Cameroon Project is made up of two components: Limbe and Buea. The Limbe component started in 1988 with ODA financial assistance to the Limbe Botanic Garden for a 6-year phase, followed by a second phase with GEF and DFID funding from 1994-2002. The Buea component started in 1995 with BMZ funding.

Objectives:

1. Carry out flora and fauna inventories and establish an ecological monitoring programme for the forest dynamics of the region
2. Conclude negotiations with surrounding villages on landuse zoning including the boundaries of strategic areas
3. Draw up management plans for forest zones on the basis of access agreements and use of the forest negotiated with the communities
4. Expand environmental awareness and education programmes on biodiversity conservation to the local populations.