2006, Samuel Assembe Mvondo / International Journal of Environmental Studies
This paper contributes to the thorough review of the Cameroon model of forest resources decentralization. The aim is to question the equitable aspect that underlies all vertical and even horizontal, processes of transfer of forest resources management powers. The main question is whether the continuing process of decentralization in Cameroon has made it possible for marginalized populations, such as the Baka, equitably to obtain generated benefits. Thus, the first section of this paper presents methods and study sites. The second describes our research results. The final section is discussion.
Environmental justice was certainly one of the expected objectives of the decentralization of forest resource management, which is currently being implemented in Cameroon, for marginalized local peoples such as the pygmies. In fact, opportunities offered by the legal process to promote participatory management of forest resources including the allocation of community forests, council forests and forest taxes, are supposed to mitigate environmental injustice to local communities caused by centralized public forestry and social policies. Nevertheless, data from South Cameroon suggest that the decentralization of forest resources to marginalized local people such as the Baka Pygmies tends to reduce rather than improve socio-environmental justice. This development might be the result of local governance and practices. It is therefore important to correct this unfair practice.
