Collaborative Pathways: Advancing Biodiversity Conservation in Cameroon through BIODEV2030

Douala, Cameroon – From July 29th to 30th, 2024, stakeholders gathered to launch the second phase of the Biodiversity for Sustainable Development by 2030 (BIODEV2030) initiative. The workshop aimed to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue in support of biodiversity conservation across the nation.

Organized by the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection, and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), the workshop received financial backing from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Technical assistance was provided by Expertise France and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cameroon.

Lessons learned and achievements from the first phase of the BIODEV2030 project as well as plans for the second phase were discussed.  Attendees also reviewed the progress report concerning the revision process of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP II) in Cameroon. Additionally, participants analysed the Sectoral Public Policy Instruments (IPPS) to align them better with biodiversity objectives and deliberated on potential pilot territories for the forthcoming project phase.

Consensus emerged around the need for integrating a Biodiversity Plan into the implementation documents of development projects systematically. Discussions on establishing a comprehensive Biodiversity Plan reference framework and enhancing biodiversity considerations within IPPS was primordial.

The TRIDOM landscape was proposed as a primary pilot area, with Campo Ma'an suggested as an alternative site. The successful dialogue marked a significant step forward in Cameroon’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, as stakeholders unite to ensure sustainable development goals are met by 2030.