Indigenous Governance Practices and their Impact on Forest Conservation in the Mount Cameroon Region

This article examines the vital role of indigenous forest governance practices in the conservation of forests within the Mount Cameroon region. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, including interviews with local community members and analysis of traditional practices, the study highlights the importance of customary law, traditional institutions, and cultural beliefs in managing natural resources specifically forest resources sustainably. The article first defines customary law and its legislative recognition in Anglophone Cameroon, emphasizing its significance for forest conservation as outlined by international agreements like the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity. The contributions of traditional institutions, such as chieftaincies, village councils and secret societies, are analyzed to demonstrate their effectiveness in biodiversity conservation. These institutions, deeply rooted in local culture, implement practices such as taboos and the preservation of sacred forests, which play a critical role in promoting conservation efforts. However, the article also addresses the challenges facing these traditional practices, including external migration, economic pressures, and the influence of globalization. The erosion of respect for customary laws poses a significant threat to the sustainability of forest governance. The findings advocate for the integration of traditional knowledge into modern conservation strategies, reinforcing the need to recognize and support indigenous practices for effective forest management. This study underscores the importance of traditional institutions as essential contributors to the sustainability of forest resources in the Mount Cameroon region.