Environmental structuration and economical and social development of communities in Ngoila-Mintom

The forest block in the SE of Cameroon between the Dja, Nki and the Minkebe reserves (the latter in Gabon) is relatively undisturbed. However major changes due to the opening up of industrial mining 9the Mba Nlam iron ore mine), logging concessions and associated investment in large infrastructural works a.o 100 of Km of railway) will bring enormous change to the area. The rural population is poor, for a large part illiterate and in general poorly organized. These communities are not informed about the upcoming changes nor organized in such a way that they can defend their long term interest. It is crucial that people are fully aware about potential environmental mismanagement can threaten their livelihood base. The project focuses on organizing and informing the communities about the upcoming changes in order to assure that their long term options for development are not jeopardized by environmental degradation. Main expected results: a proper context analyses, Improved level of organisation of the relevant communities, Two multi-stakeholder platforms will become operational; one on the Ngoyla site and 1 in Mintom, A 3-year programme is elaborated with a focus on community involvement in the production processes (agricultural & forestry) and a monitoring programme of the different EIA recommendations.