Conservation Projects
Forests
Securing a Future For Forests & Community in Cameroon
Eric Nana
Project Team Member
Saving One of Nigeria’s Remaining Montane Forests
Their concern stems from findings of a project the group implemented that explored economic and ecological significance of the forest reserve and other fringing forests in Mambilla Plateau. The project aimed to save the reserve and its species diversity, from neglect and further degradation. Through their findings, published in the “International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol. 1 issue 2, the alumni recommend a need for decisive law enforcement to protect the forest and increased awareness on value of its conservation – for biodiversity and local communities. Beyond its immense conservation value, the reserve is an irreplaceable source of livelihood for both the Mambilla people who are predominantly farmers and the Fulani herders.
Despite the obvious incompatible livelihood practices by both the Mambilla and Fulani people, as well as growing poaching pressures, the project reported high numbers of mammals and birds in the reserve. The research also encountered at least one large troop of primates (with over thirty members), and a family of chimpanzees, as well as several chimpanzee nests. These, and that fact that Ngel Nyaki is recognized as Important Bird Area, only increases the alumni group’s resolve to ensure the reserves is effectively protected and conserved.