Ensuring the long-term protection of Mbam and Djerem National Park, Cameroon Concept for a Five Year Cooperative Agreement between USFWS and WCS

The purpose of this project is to support a conservation effort in Mbam and Djerem National Park (MDNP) in Cameroon by consolidating and increasing protection measures in and around the park and minimizing the negative impacts of road construction.

This project is intended to conserve forest elephants, chimpanzees, giant pangolins and other species by addressing the impacts of the bushmeat trade, ivory poaching, and pressures from infrastructure development, extractive industries and encroachment.

Specific activities include: (1) design and implementation of formal park management structures and systems, including a public-private partnership agreement with the Government of Cameroon, a new park management plan, and an assessment of the human resources capacity, park infrastructure, and logistics needs; (2) wildlife protection improvements including updates to park surveillance and patrolling systems, operational support for anti-poaching missions, and support for prosecution of criminal activity in and around the park; (3) community engagement to improve local support and enable more effective participation in park management; and (4) promotion of a pilot ecotourism initiative to generate sustainable revenue for park management and local communities.