BAKA OF CAMEROON AND CONGO SHARE EXPERIENCES ON INCLUSIVE CONSERVATION

In the context of inclusive conservation in TRIDOM landscape, an exchange meeting was organized between Baka communities of Cameroon and Congo in Sembé (Sangha) from 2 to 10 June. The purpose was for the two IP communities to share experiences on specific themes, and to enhance leadership and collaboration among them. The Cameroonian delegation, including members of the Baka Association ASBABUK, along with representatives from CSOs; OKANI and PERAD, and WWF, participated in the workshop.

This initiative, organized by WWF Cameroon Country Office (CCO) through its JENGI TRIDOM Cameroon program and WWF Congo ETIC, focused on four main issues: traditional hunting techniques, monitoring of clearings, complaints management mechanisms, and the collection and marketing of non-timber forest products. During this maiden exchange, Baka representatives from Cameroon and Baka communities in Congo shared successful experiences in natural resource management and traditional knowledge, with the goal of replicating these practices.

They also discussed the challenges their communities face. This meeting between the Baka communities is an important aspect in the inclusive conservation approach in the TRIDOM landscape, aimed at strengthening natural resource management and enhancing the participation of local communities in decision-making processes.