SOUTHEAST CAMEROON: WWF supports the creation of multi stakeholders’ platform for effective natural resources management and local development
As part of its efforts to promote sustainable management of natural resources and local development, WWF has supported the Moloundou Municipality in southeast Cameroon to establish a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at improving collaboration and coordination among different actors.The initiative began with a consultation meeting in Moloundou on November 14, 2024, attended by over 100 participants, including representatives from key government ministries (including Forestry and Wildlife, Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and Social Affairs) local community organizations and CSOs, and technical and financial partners such as GIZ and WWF.
At the meeting, participants agreed to create the platform and formed a steering committee to oversee its implementation. The platform will operate with a general assembly and a steering committee, providing a forum for dialogue, information exchange, and technical support among local actors and development partners. It will meet annually, with ad hoc meetings held as needed to discuss specific initiatives.
According to Allo Jean Richard, Mayor of Moloundou, the platform was created to address the lack of coordination among the numerous NGOs and development actors operating in the municipality. The goal is to harmonize their efforts, allowing for a more unified approach to development and management of natural resources.
“The idea of a platform emanates from the fact that many NGOs and development actors have been intervening in this municipality for many years, but their actions are not harmonized. We thought it wise to put in place a platform where various actors can meet and make their contribution towards development,” states Mayor Allo Richard.
Located in the extreme East Region of Cameroon, Moloundou is surrounded by the Nki and Lobeke National Parks in the TRIDOM and TNS landscapes. The region is rich in biodiversity, including forest elephants and great apes, but face threats from poaching and illegal logging.
The main economic activities of the area are subsistence agriculture, gathering and sale of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), community forestry, hunting, and fishing. Various stakeholders, including logging companies, hunting organizations, and conservation entities, are involved in the region's natural resource management.
“By supporting the putting in place the multi stakeholder’s platform in Moloundou, WWF hopes to promote collaboration among various actors intervening in the area and foster dialogue on projects and initiatives for more meaningful contribution to sustainable natural resources management,” states Moise Kono, Indigenous People Advisor, WWF Cameroon. WWF has supported similar platforms in other municipalities in the area, including Mintom, Ngoyla, and Yokadouma.