Mbam Djerem National Park Project

Cameroon’s Mbam Djerem National Park (MDNP) is located between the southern slopes of the Adamaoua Plateau and the northern edges of closed canopy humid forests of the Congo basin- a contact zone between forest and savanna. Many streams, among them the Djerem River, flow through the park providing water to humans, livestock, and wildlife. The park’s extraordinary habitat diversity makes it the most biologically diverse protected area in Cameroon, with ideal living conditions for more than 50 mammal species such as chimpanzees, leopards, and elephants. Biodiversity surveys, conducted by WCS researchers in 1999, have influenced government decisions to establish Mbam Djerem National Park in 2000. Since 2003, WCS has been responsible for the management of this important conservation site.

The Human Aspect

Agricultural and hunting camp

74 villages with a population of approximately 28,000 people are adjacent to Mbam Djerem National Park. In the dry season especially, semi-nomadic Fulani cattle-herders drive their cattle deep into the savannas of MDNP, searching for water and grazing grounds. Extensive agricultural methods such as slash and burn agriculture are utilized by the majority of peasant farmers in the periphery of the park and exacerbate habitat loss.

Threats
Major threats to the biological integrity of Mbam Djerem National Park include hunting for bushmeat and habitat destruction. The uncontrolled burning of forest by nomadic herders has severely fragmented habitats in the northern part of the park. With technical and logistical support provided by WCS since 2003, MINFOF has put in place law enforcement and surveillance systems that have contributed to reduced hunting pressure in the park. Additional pressure is emerging from the developing industrial complexes (logging concessions, hydro-electric power plant and bauxite mining) in the northeast and southeast corner of the park. The economic development of this zone will put further human pressure on the natural resources of Mbam Djerem National Park.

WCS Activities
WCS scientists have been conducting biological and socio-economic research in MDNP since 1999. Their findings have significantly contributed to emphasizing the biological importance of MDNP, and the demarcation of realistic limits of the park before its creation in January 2000.  The Mbam Djerem National Park Project was initiated in January 2003 as a joint project between MINFOF and WCS, with financial support from FEDEC (Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon), with project activities focusing on infrastructure development (construction of a park’s headquarters, guard posts, procurement of equipment etc.), capacity building for law enforcement and biodiversity conservation, environmental education, community-outreach, research and monitoring of ecosystems. Findings and other achievements during the first phase of the project have contributed to develop a comprehensive management plan for the park (click here to download draft version of the management plan). Additional funds need to be raised to consolidate and expand project activities.

Participatory mapping of Mbam Djerem National Park with surrounding villages

 
Important Next Steps
• Consolidate the implementation of the conservation strategy outlined in the management plan
• Consolidate multiple stakeholders’ coordination initiative for biodiversity conservation, wildlife management and forestry management in logging concessions and hunting zones (landscape approach).
• Based on the experience acquired in working with local communities further promote the development of alternative livelihood strategies compatible with biodiversity conservation needs.
• Consolidate long-term financing and strategy for the MDNP, and support to activities in the area outside the national park.