Conservation

Introduction

Conservation is at the core of Bakossi National Park’s existence. As the only National Park in the Cameroon Highlands Forest Eco-region, Bakossi holds an irreplaceable role in safeguarding rare ecosystems, endangered species, and sacred landscapes. Protecting this biodiversity is not only vital for global heritage but also for the well-being of the 36 villages that surround the park.

Why Conservation Matters Here

  • Biodiversity hotspot: Over 2,440 plant species, 82 endemic, and 232 listed as threatened.

  • Endangered wildlife: Home to the Drill, Chimpanzee, Preuss’ Red Colobus, and the Goliath Frog.

  • Unique habitats: The largest continuous cloud forest in West and Central Africa.

  • Cultural landscapes: Sacred sites like the Kupe-Muanenguba twin lakes and ancestral groves tie conservation to local identity.

Our Conservation Strategies

1. Collaborative Management

Bakossi National Park is co-managed with the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the South West Region (PSMNR-SWR), supported by the Cameroon Government and the German Development Bank (KfW).

2. Community Involvement

  • Cluster Conservation & Development Agreements (CCDAs): Formal agreements between communities, councils, and the park service.

  • Community-based surveillance: Former hunters and eco-guards patrol the forest, dismantling wire snares and reducing poaching.

3. Alternative Livelihoods

  • Training ex-hunters in beekeeping, piggery, white pepper farming, and vocational skills.

  • Providing access to new markets for eco-friendly products like honey and white pepper.

4. Research & Monitoring

  • Partnerships with universities and conservation NGOs for species monitoring.

  • Surveys of primates, amphibians, and plant diversity to guide protection measures.

  • Monitoring of elephant corridors between BNP and Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary.

5. Awareness & Education

  • Conservation clubs in schools encourage youth to become guardians of the park.

  • Public campaigns like World Pangolin Day celebrations strengthen local and global awareness.

 Achievements So Far

  • Over 3,000 wire traps dismantled and 500 cartridge shells removed through community surveillance.

  • 25 ex-poachers trained in new trades (construction, mechanics, ICT, catering, etc.).

  • 17 former hunters trained in beekeeping with 340 hives installed.

  • 27 ex-poachers supported in pig farming with sties, piglets, and feed provided.

  • Rescue of endangered wildlife such as the Cameroon-Nigeria Chimpanzee infant (rehabilitated at Limbe Wildlife Centre).

 Future Goals

  • Expand eco-tourism programs to generate sustainable funding.

  • Strengthen wildlife corridors connecting BNP with nearby protected areas.

  • Scale up community livelihood projects to reduce human pressure on the park.

  • Enhance research to track climate change impacts on Bakossi’s ecosystems.