Cameroon: Indigenous Peoples are Heard in Climate Policy

The Baka and Bagyéli peoples are the oldest inhabitants of Cameroon’s rainforests. They have survived off of forest resources for generations, using the land for their food, water, shelter, and livelihoods.

Without their consent, the Cameroon government pursued a REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program to profit from conservation of the area’s trees. The new program threatened to limit forest access for local communities, while benefitting logging companies that would take over forest management.

A small grant to Bagyeli Development Association of Ocean organized community leaders to challenge the program and assert their rights.

 

The $7,200 grant was used:

• To hold a workshop for indigenous forest peoples to raise awareness about the REDD program and the proposed changes to the forestry law
• To prepare a position paper on a proposed revision of Cameroon’s forestry law, which would allow forest access to the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
• To hold an indigenous side event during the National Forest Forum in Cameroon (where the revision was discussed)
• To support indigenous participation in the forum, including travel and lodging costs
• To report results of the forum back to local communities.

 

After the event, leaders presented their joint statement on climate change and forest management to the Cameroon government. The strength and unity of their voices resonated with policymakers, particularly those from the World Bank, and the program was put on hold.

Now, with their voices heard, the Baka and Bagyéli peoples are included in policy development. Local perspectives must help shape climate policy, for they are protecting threatened resources and on the front lines of climate change.