Abstract
This paper examines the degree to which public participation in concession-based forestry decision-making - as outlined by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Decree (No. 2005/0577/PM)-is taking place in eight forest-dependent communities of Cameroon. Of the total respondents that took part in the survey, only 39 per cent stated that they were involved in decisions concerning concession-based forestry. Furthermore, there seems to be a generally negative perception on the part of local communities towards the government’s implementation of public participation legislation in concession-based forestry decision-making. Obstacles to public decision-making process are identified and recommendations are proffered for more effective public participation.
Highlights
Public participation is increasingly being incorporated into forest management decision-making around the world, the underlying reason being that effective public participation is essential to making decisions about sustainable forest management that result in successful outcomes (Buchy & Hoverman, 2000; Mendoza & Prabhu, 2000; Diaw et al, 2009)
We argue that an empirical study of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)’s participation procedures in concession-based forestry is warranted and would make a significant contribution to the literature on participatory decision-making for sustainable forest management in Cameroon and perhaps elsewhere
We examine public perceptions (Note 3) of public participation and decision-making - as outlined by the EIA Decree - in eight forest-dependent communities impacted by concession-based forestry in the Southwest Region of Cameroon
Summary
Public participation is increasingly being incorporated into forest management decision-making around the world, the underlying reason being that effective public participation is essential to making decisions about sustainable forest management that result in successful outcomes (Buchy & Hoverman, 2000; Mendoza & Prabhu, 2000; Diaw et al, 2009). 95-531-PM of 23rd August 1995) aimed to increase the participation of local populations in sustainable forest management, thereby increasing their living standards and protecting the ecological integrity of the forest in which they reside (MINFOF, 2009). This legislation has led to 147 community forest tenures being created since 1994, covering more than 621,245 hectares (Kongape & Etoa-Akoa, 2011). The 1994 Forestry Law and its Decree of application transfer ownership rights of some forests to local municipalities (referred to as council forests) This includes any forest that is planted by a www.ccsenet.org/jsd
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