Context
The Dja-Odzala-Minkébé (TRIDOM) protected area complex spans an area of 191,541 km2 in Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. The Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) has designated the area as one of the priority landscapes in the Congo Basin.
With forest cover of around 97% and a particularly rich biodiversity, TRIDOM plays an important role in regulating the climate and managing water resources. The growing need for land is creating conflicts between environmental protection, forestry, mining and the local population, however. Poverty is widespread in the area.
Objective
Strengthening the active participation of public, private and civil society entities in ensuring the sustainable, biodiversity-preserving development of the TRIDOM landscape.
Approach
Within the TRIDOM area, the project is working towards sustainable development and promoting the protection of biodiversity. The main steps involved are as follows:
• Supporting Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo in reaching transboundary agreements for long-term development and environmental protection
• Promoting dialogue between stakeholder groups
• Supporting companies in their voluntary activities to protect biodiversity and promote socio-economic development
• Teaming up with local actors to develop and implement projects for the long-term use of natural resources.
Through the Natura Sud-Est – Green economy initiative of the EU, the project is also securing the livelihoods and enhancing the resilience of local communities in South-East Cameroon. To do so, it is expanding green, local supply chains.