Nigeria and Cameroon have joined forces to tackle growing threats to biodiversity and shared areas. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abuja and announced a strategic transboundary partnership to enhance the protection of endangered species, like gorillas and chimpanzees, preserve critical habitats and tackle illegal wildlife trade across their border.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balabare Lawal, stated that the Cooperation Framework Agreement will address urgent challenges such as habitat loss, widespread illegal hunting, and wildlife trafficking. “It is a joint commitment to collaborate closely on various fronts related to wildlife conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
“This agreement underscores the commitment of both countries to work together to manage and conserve our shared natural resources and also demonstrates the importance of bilateral cooperation in tackling global challenges,” Lawal said.
The minister called for continued engagement in constructive dialogue, and ensuring that natural resources are sustainably managed and conserved for the benefit of present and future generations.
He further explained that both authorities would implement joint transboundary efforts to protect shared ecosystems, routinely share information and data, conduct research projects, and push to expand protected areas, strengthen law enforcement mechanisms, and promote community engagement and sustainable livelihoods to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Also, Cameroon’s Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Jules Ndongo, commended the Nigerian government for its role aimed at combating illegal wildlife trafficking and forest products and promoting the management of biodiversity in the region.
He said: “Nigeria’s 6,731-square-kilometre scenic Gashaka Gumti National Park, is home to one of the largest populations of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, right on the border of Faro National Park and the proposed Tchabal Mbabo National Park in Cameroon.”
He stated the idea of transboundary collaboration on conservation was proposed in 2008 recognising the spectacular national parks on both sides of the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
In his part, Executive Director, Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, Tunde Morakinyo, said the agreement will enable national parks such as Gashaka-Gumti and Cross River to work closely with their counterparts in Cameroon to protect biodiversity such as chimpanzees, gorillas and elephants, for future generations.
