The Nigerian government and Cameroon have agreed to work together in a joint effort to combat transborder wildlife smuggling and support the preservation and sustainable management of forests and wildlife resources. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed in Abuja by Balarabe Abbas, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, and Jules Doret Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of Forestry and Wildlife. At the MoU signing event, the Nigerian Minister expressed that the agreement marks a significant achievement and offers the opportunity to create a collaborative management structure for transboundary conservation and sustainable use of forestry and wildlife resources.
He explained that the agreement is intended to oversee and synchronize specific areas of collaboration, guarantee that special protocols align with identified cooperation areas, work together on joint transboundary projects, and establish institutions and secure funding for joint transboundary projects. The Minister highlighted how various social issues like over population, poverty, and food insecurity, in addition to the global problem of climate change and environmental challenges, are pushing these resources to the edge of extinction.
Approximately one million species are at risk of disappearing.
Amidst this, transborder crimes, like unlawful timber harvesting, hunting, and trafficking of animals, have worsened the situation. These illegal activities appear to confirm the alarming message from the influential Inter-Governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) 2019 Global Assessment Report, which warned that approximately one million species are at risk of disappearing, with many facing extinction in just a few decades. It is impractical to stop and reverse the negative trend by relying solely on the political will and commitment of one country, as our shared border extends for more than 1,500 km.
On the other hand, an even more hopeful strategy is the utilization of both bilateral and multilateral methods, especially when taking into account the continuous movement and shared characteristics of these resources within the context of the challenges involved in their cross-border protection and preservation. The event holds immense importance as it shows the Renewed Hope Agenda’s dedication to partnering with Cameroon in protecting our mutual natural resources. It also highlights the value of working together internationally to address worldwide issues.
Creating a collaborative cross-border management system.
Hence, this accord is deeply rooted in our shared past and reflects the parties’ dedication to fulfilling global obligations. It marks a significant achievement and offers a basis for creating a collaborative cross-border management system that will enhance the partnership and harmonization between our nations in the protection and responsible utilization of our environment. This framework plays a crucial role in safeguarding the preservation and responsible oversight of our forests and wildlife resources, which are essential for the well-being of our environment, communities, and long-term progress.
Also, the agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon in preserving and sustainably managing transboundary ecosystems. It will also encourage the exchange of expertise, information, and successful strategies. Minister of Forestry and Wildlife in Cameroon, Jules Doret Ndongo, expressed commitment to fully implementing the agreement. He warned that the excessive use of forest resources and illegal hunting, particularly across borders, pose significant dangers to the responsible stewardship of our environment and contribute to the root causes of climate change.
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He emphasized the significance of the situation and encouraged all parties to fully dedicate themselves to carrying out this mechanism. He reassured that the government of Cameroon is determined to take all necessary actions to ensure the successful execution of this agreement. Bernard Koffi, the Head of the Environment and Climate Change Division of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), expressed excitement through his advisor, Adewale Adeleke, about the long-awaited agreement. Adeleke emphasized the importance of collaboration, stressing the need to exchange knowledge and collaborate effectively with both legal entities and communities in order to protect the resources of each county.
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