Cameroon Wildlife and Environmental Laws | africatourvisa

Prohibited Hunting Methods:

The law strictly prohibits certain hunting methods and practices, including:

• Team/night hunting using headlamps.
• Use of traps and snares.
• Chemical poisoning.
• Use of fire for hunting.
• Use of fixed and Dane guns.

Illegal Trade (Poaching & Trafficking):

Cameroon is a source and transit country for illegal wildlife trade, particularly ivory, pangolin scales, and live primates. The new law aims to strengthen the fight against this. Possession as Proof: If someone is found in possession of a part of a protected animal (like elephant tusks), they are generally presumed to have killed the animal unless they can prove otherwise. Increased Penalties: Courts in Cameroon have been increasing fines and prison terms for wildlife traffickers, signaling a tougher stance.

• Community Involvement: The new law strengthens the involvement of local communities in the management of wildlife and protected areas, through the creation of community-protected areas and a share of ecotourism revenues.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: For the first time, the new law includes measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, through provisions for compensation to those affected by damage caused by certain protected species.
• Cross-border Cooperation: The law supports the establishment of cross-border management of protected areas with neighboring countries, vital for migratory species and combating trans-boundary poaching. Cameroon has signed agreements with Nigeria to jointly tackle wildlife crime across their shared border.
• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): Cameroon is a signatory to CITES (since 1981), an international agreement that regulates the international trade in endangered plants and animals. This means strict permits are required for the import or export of any CITES-listed species or their products (e.g., ivory, certain timber, live parrots).

II. Environmental Laws (General Protection)

Cameroon has a broader legal framework for environmental management, primarily governed by Law No. 96/12 of August 5, 1996, on the framework law relating to environmental management. Key aspects of Cameroonian environmental law include

• Right to a Healthy Environment: The Constitution (1996) guarantees the right of all citizens to a healthy environment and states that environmental protection is a duty for all.
• Principles: The framework law is based on principles such as: Precaution: Taking action to prevent environmental damage even without full scientific certainty. Prevention and Corrective Action: Preventing degradation and taking steps to correct damage. Polluter Pays: The polluter bears the costs of pollution prevention, control, and cleanup. Participation: Public participation in environmental decision-making. Sustainable Development: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): The law mandates Environmental Impact Assessments for all projects that are likely to cause significant environmental degradation. This includes industrial, infrastructural, and agricultural projects. There are decrees outlining the procedures for conducting these studies and the categories of projects that require them.
• Pollution Control: Regulations exist to prevent and control various forms of pollution (waste, industrial effluents, air, water, soil).
• Forestry Regulations: Separate legislation (now updated by Law No. 2024/008) governs forestry, aiming for sustainable forest management, combating illegal logging, and promoting the renewal of forest resources.
• Protected Areas: The creation and management of National Parks and other protected areas are governed by specific laws and regulations aimed at conserving biodiversity.

III. Implications for Tourists

DO NOT engage in any form of poaching or illegal wildlife trade. This includes buying "bushmeat" of protected species, purchasing ivory, pangolin scales, or any products made from endangered animals, regardless of how small or "old" they appear. Penalties are severe.

• Respect National Park Rules: When visiting national parks, adhere strictly to all park regulations, including staying on designated paths, not disturbing animals, and not littering.
• Souvenirs: Be extremely cautious when buying souvenirs. Avoid anything made from animal parts (feathers, skins, bones, shells, ivory, pangolin scales, etc.) or protected timber. If in doubt, do not buy it. Customs officials at the airport are vigilant, and you could face legal trouble upon exiting Cameroon or upon entering your home country due to international CITES regulations.
• Environmental Responsibility: Practice responsible tourism. Dispose of waste properly, conserve water and energy, and minimize your environmental footprint.
• Awareness: Be aware that environmental and wildlife crime is a serious issue in Cameroon. Your actions as a tourist can either inadvertently contribute to it or help combat it by adhering to the laws and supporting legitimate eco-tourism.

Cameroon's new forestry and wildlife law signifies a strong commitment to protecting its natural heritage. However, the success of these laws depends on effective enforcement and public awareness. As a visitor, your compliance is a vital part of respecting Cameroon's efforts to safeguard its unique environment.