In a heartfelt plea to global leaders, environmental advocates and human rights defenders have raised the alarm over the rampant deforestation and forest degradation unfolding in Cameroon. The open letter, endorsed by influential figures like Samuel Nguiffo from the Centre for Environment and Development (CED) and Stella Tchoukep of Greenpeace Africa, shines a stark light on the perilous consequences of large-scale deforestation for agro-industrial purposes and illegal logging, casting a shadow over both biodiversity and the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.
Toute l'actu sur la protection de l'environnement
In a heartfelt plea to global leaders, environmental advocates and human rights defenders have raised the alarm over the rampant deforestation and forest degradation unfolding in Cameroon. The open letter, endorsed by influential figures like Samuel Nguiffo from the Centre for Environment and Development (CED) and Stella Tchoukep of Greenpeace Africa, shines a stark light on the perilous consequences of large-scale deforestation for agro-industrial purposes and illegal logging, casting a shadow over both biodiversity and the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.
The numbers presented in the correspondence are staggering. Across the vital Campo Ma’an area, approximately 60,000 hectares of forest face imminent threats, primarily from the encroachment of industrial palm oil plantations. Meanwhile, the Ébo forest, renowned for its rich biodiversity, is besieged by illegal logging activities despite widespread national and international outcry. These assaults not only devastate the natural environment but also imperil the livelihoods and cultural heritage of the communities reliant on these forests.
This impassioned plea calls upon governments and international bodies to urgently address the crisis at hand. It underscores the importance of upholding international commitments to combat deforestation and safeguard human rights, while emphasizing the imperative for financial and trade mechanisms to steer clear of complicity in illegal activities.
Moreover, the letter draws attention to the economic ramifications of unchecked deforestation for Cameroon. It warns of potential repercussions on trade relations, particularly with the EU and other markets, and the consequent jeopardy posed to initiatives aimed at supporting smallholder farmers and enhancing the transparency and quality of agricultural practices, notably in cocoa production, a cornerstone of Cameroon’s economy.
Ultimately, the missive serves as a clarion call for concerted international action to halt the despoliation of Cameroon’s forests and the attendant human rights abuses. It implores governments and institutions worldwide to stand in solidarity and respond swiftly to preserve these invaluable ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Fanta Mabo
The World Bank has announced the suspension of $150 million in funding for the project to extend Ruaha National Park in south-west Tanzania. The decision, which took effect on 18 April 2024, follows repeated warnings from the Oackland Institute. The American human rights organisation documented abuses committed by forest rangers against local communities.
In an unprecedented move, the World Bank announced the suspension of $150 million in funding for a tourism project in Tanzania, following damning revelations about abuses of indigenous rights in the project area.
The Resilient Management of Natural Resources for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project aims to improve the management of natural resources and tourism assets in a remote region of southern Tanzania. The project involves extending Ruaha National Park, the country’s second largest park with a surface area of 20,000 km2. However, reports produced over several months by the Oakland Institute have documented at least 12 disappearances or extrajudicial executions, as well as sexual assaults against women, perpetrated by forest rangers as part of the REGROW project.
The US-based rights group also says that thousands of head of cattle have been illegally seized and auctioned off, causing a serious deterioration in the livelihoods of local pastoralists. The group accused the World Bank of failing to take immediate action to stop abuses against local communities, resulting in serious and widespread harm.
Expelling nearly 20,000 indigenous people to develop tourism
According to reports from the Oakland Institute, at least $100 million has already been disbursed on the REGROW project since its launch in 2017. For Anuradha Mittal, Executive Director of the Oakland Institute, the suspension of World Bank funding, which came into effect on 18 April 2024, is a powerful reminder to take social and environmental responsibility into account when carrying out development projects. « This is a victory for Tanzania’s marginalised communities. This suspension sends a clear message to the Tanzanian government that human rights abuses committed in the name of tourism development will no longer be tolerated.
Tanzania relies heavily on tourism to fund its budget, especially as arrivals from abroad rose by 24% in 2023. This seems to have comforted the Tanzanian government in its frenzy to develop the tourism sector.
According to the Oakland Institute, the Tanzanian authorities also want to evict nearly 20,000 people living in the vicinity of Ruaha National Park, with the aim of developing tourism in the region.
Based in Oakland, California, the Oakland Institute is a progressive think tank founded in 2004 by Anuradha Mittal. Its work involves defending the rights of marginalised communities.
Fanta Mabo
TANZANIA: The World Bank suspends funding for the extension of Ruaha Park
The World Bank has announced the suspension of $150 million in funding for the project to extend Ruaha National Park in south-west Tanzania. The decision, which took effect on 18 April 2024, follows repeated warnings from the Oackland Institute. The American human rights organisation documented abuses committed by forest rangers against local communities.
The majestic and iconic pink flamingos roam the lakes of East Africa in spectacular colonies, offering breathtaking views to amazed onlookers. However, a recent study by King’s College London reveals a grim reality. These iconic birds are facing increasing threats from rising lake levels as a result of climate change.
The study, published in the journal Current Biology, is the first to use satellite earth observation data to investigate the impact of rising water levels on the main flamingo feeding lakes in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania over a 23-year period. The findings are alarming. Rising sea levels are reducing the flamingos’ main source of food, jeopardising the very future of this emblematic species.
The researchers found a significant reduction in phytoplankton biomass, a vital food resource for flamingos, in the region’s soda lakes. This decrease is directly linked to rising water levels, which dilute the unique chemical composition of the soda lakes, leading to a decline in phytoplankton populations. As a result, flamingos are facing a growing shortage of food in their historic feeding grounds. In the soda lakes of East Africa, phytoplankton biomass has declined since 1999. On average, chlorophyll concentrations have fallen significantly by 3.9 mg per m3 per year.
An uncertain future for an avian icon
The researchers warn that flamingos may be forced to move to new, unprotected areas in search of food, which could expose them to additional dangers and further upset their ecological balance. They call for coordinated conservation action across national borders, as well as improved monitoring and more sustainable management of the surrounding land.
The results of this study underline the urgent need for action to protect flamingos and their fragile habitat. Governments, conservation organisations, researchers and civil society must join forces to develop management strategies adapted to climate change, strengthen monitoring of lake ecosystems and implement effective conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of East African flamingos.
Fanta Mabo
Rising water levels threaten Africa’s pink flamingos in the Great Lakes region
The majestic and iconic pink flamingos roam the lakes of East Africa in spectacular colonies, offering breathtaking views to amazed onlookers. However, a recent study by King’s College London reveals a grim reality. These iconic birds are facing increasing threats from rising lake levels as a result of climate change.
Une collaboration efficace entre les forces de l’ordre et les défenseurs de la nature a permis de mettre fin aux activités illégales de trois individus impliqués dans le trafic d’ivoire. Les arrestations ont eu lieu à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou, où deux des trafiquants ont été appréhendés en flagrant délit de possession et de tentative de vente de précieuses pointes d’ivoire.
Leur capture fait suite à une opération minutieuse menée conjointement par la Direction Provinciale des Eaux et Forêts, la Direction de Lutte Contre le Braconnage, et l’antenne de la Police Judiciaire de l’Ogooué-Lolo, avec le soutien crucial de l’ONG Conservation Justice. Grâce aux informations fournies par des sources fiables, une équipe de surveillance a identifié les suspects et les a interceptés au moment opportun.
Lors de la fouille du petit sac de voyage transporté par l’un des individus, les autorités ont découvert deux pointes d’ivoire sectionnées en six morceaux, pesant environ une dizaine de kilogrammes. Les présumés trafiquants, de nationalité gabonaise, ont admis leur intention de vendre ces ivoires et ont impliqué un troisième complice, qui a été appréhendé le lendemain après dénonciation.
Ces actes illégaux sont passibles de lourdes sanctions, avec une peine de prison pouvant aller jusqu’à 10 ans et une amende atteignant cinq fois la valeur marchande des pointes d’ivoire, conformément aux lois en vigueur. Il est crucial de souligner que toute forme d’abattage d’éléphants doit être signalée aux autorités compétentes pour garantir la préservation de ces espèces protégées.
Cette opération démontre l’engagement résolu des autorités et des organisations partenaires à lutter contre le trafic d’ivoire et à protéger la faune sauvage au Gabon.
Boris Ngounou
Raid contre le trafic d’ivoire au Gabon : Trois présumés trafiquants appréhendés à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou
Une collaboration efficace entre les forces de l’ordre et les défenseurs de la nature a permis de mettre fin aux activités illégales de trois individus impliqués dans le trafic d’ivoire. Les arrestations ont eu lieu à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou, où deux des trafiquants ont été appréhendés en flagrant délit de possession et de tentative de vente de précieuses pointes d’ivoire.
he French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is launching a call for projects to support initiatives led by civil society. This call specifically targets the funding and implementation of field projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and/or nature-based solutions (NBS), in response to the crucial challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change.
On 1 February 2024, the French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched the Programme to support biodiversity CSOs (civil society organisations) active in developing countries (ProBioDev). This 3-year programme aims to improve the state of biodiversity in developing countries by strengthening civil society action and developing the capacities and partnerships of CSOs.
Supported by a coalition of public and private partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), the Audemars Piguet Foundation for Trees, the Fondation de France, the Manthano Foundation, the Egis Foundation and the Maisons du Monde Foundation, the programme also aims to encourage the development of equitable and mutually supportive partnerships to respond effectively to biodiversity issues in developing countries.
As part of this programme, a system for funding meso-projects has been set up, and an initial call for projects is open from 9 April to 26 May 2024. This call for projects will fund around ten field projects, with grants of between €100,000 and €250,000 over a maximum period of 24 months. Grants will represent up to 90% of the total project budget.
The projects selected must be carried out in a country eligible for official development assistance, with priority given to Africa, in accordance with the list drawn up by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). They must be led by civil society partnerships, which must include a French CSO and a local CSO registered in a developing country.
The main objective of the projects must be the preservation of biodiversity and/or the implementation of nature-based solutions focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change, in line with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal World Conservation Framework.
Fanta Mabo
AFRICA: IUCN wants to fund biodiversity conservation projects
The French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is launching a call for projects to support initiatives led by civil society. This call specifically targets the funding and implementation of field projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and/or nature-based solutions (NBS), in response to the crucial challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change.