Timber exploitation in Cameroon was begun by German colonizers, and grew rapidly after the Second World War. In the 1990s timber export reached its peak. In 2002 annual production was around 2 million cubic metres over a surface area of some 300,000 hectares. The average price of the timber fluctuated around 150 per cubic metre, and was destined for the luxury goods market due to its high quality. The weakness of State controls on the timber trade meant that exporting was problem free. If from the start of the 1900s deforestation was totally unchecked, and was interested only in felling as many trees in the least time possible, today the exploitation of forests is targeting only the most expensive. Six varieties account for nearly 80 percent of timber exploitation: The Ayous (Triplochition scleroxylon), Sapele or Sapelli (Entandrophragma cylindricum), Azob (Lophira alata), Limba or yellow pine (Terminalia superba), Tali (Erythrophleum ivorense) and Iroko (Chlorophora spp.). Another particularly exploited species for its economic value is the Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma), which is a vitally important tree to women forest dwellers due to its versatility in providing medicines, and other subsistence goods. It is also a sacred tree. |
Since '50s, unsustainable logging industry in Cameroon threatens the rainforest biodiversity and the indigenous communities survival.
| Name | Exploitation of Forests, Cameroon |
| Country | Cameroon |
| Accuracy of Location | LOW country/state level |
| Type of Conflict (1st level) | Biomass and Land Conflicts (Forests, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Management) |
| Type of Conflict (2nd level) | Deforestation Logging and non timber extraction |
| Specific Commodities | Land Timber Biological resources |
| Type of Population | Rural |
| Start Date | 1950 |
| Company Names or State Enterprises | Patrice Bois from Italy Wijma Fipcam from Italy Thanry/Vicwood from China Pasquet from France Rougier from France Pallisco from Cameroon |
| Relevant government actors | Government of Cameroon, MINEF: Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Cameroon, European Union, French Government |
| International and Financial Institutions | The World Bank (WB) from United States of America International Monetary Fund (FMI) Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) |
| Environmental justice organisations and other supporters | Friends of the Earth (Cameroon), Greenpeace - Belgium & International, Planet Survey - Camroon, Centre for Environment and Development (CED) - Cameroon |
| Intensity of Conflict (at highest level) | UNKNOWN |
| When did the mobilization begin | UNKNOWN |
| Groups Mobilizing | Farmers Indigenous groups or traditional communities Landless peasants Women |
| Forms of Mobilization | Blockades Development of a network/collective action Development of alternative proposals Street protest/marches Property damage/arson 2003: The residents of Klampeing move their residencies to the three neighbouring villages of Eden, Andoo and Assadam, with the goal of creating a forest community with the official title of ICM COBA (Assimilated Community of Badjou and other interest groups) |
| Environmental Impacts | Visible: Biodiversity loss (wildlife, agro-diversity), Loss of landscape/aesthetic degradation, Deforestation and loss of vegetation cover, Food insecurity (crop damage), Soil contamination, Soil erosion |
| Health Impacts | Potential: Violence related health impacts (homicides, rape, etc..) , Occupational disease and accidents |
| Socio-economic Impacts | Visible: Displacement, Increase in violence and crime, Lack of work security, labour absenteeism, firings, unemployment, Loss of livelihood, Loss of traditional knowledge/practices/cultures, Militarization and increased police presence, Violations of human rights, Land dispossession, Loss of landscape/sense of place, Specific impacts on women |
| Project Status | In operation |
| Pathways for conflict outcome / response | Corruption Migration/displacement New legislation Violent targeting of activists Application of existing regulations January 2002: The Forest Ministry (MINEF) accuses the company Patrice Bois of unauthorised timber exploitation, and subjects them to a fine of 10 million CFA Francs (15,000 Euros). January 2003: The Forestry Ministry (MINEF) once again fines the company Patrice Bois, this time it is 50 million CFA Francs (75,000 Euros), for complicity in unauthorised exploitation of the forests. However, due to procedural errors by the Ministry the charge is altered and only a small fine is made. The company are still condemned for breach of forest law. |
| Do you consider this as a success? | No |
| Why? Explain briefly. | On paper, the State owns the forests, but the sovereignty it exercises on the exploitation of timber is in many ways limited by the influence of multinational companies. The national government wants to attract more and more private foreign investment at all costs, even if is basically illegal. This framework allows corporations to disregard the environmental and social standards, particularly with regard to contracts, and the extent and location of concessions. The States monitoring and decision making capability is limited both by the endemic corruption, and internal political policies that have led to a drastic reduction in staff and their salaries. |
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| Contributor | Lucie Greyl |
| Last update | 29/01/2016 |