A Critical Appraisal of the Legal Framework on Access to Environmental Justice in the Forestry Sector of Cameroon

This study critically examines the legal framework on access to environmental justice in the forestry sector of Cameroon which is a major aspect of the country’s environmental governance. There is paucity of legislation and ineffective application of the existing legal measures in ensuring environmental justice in the forestry sector of Cameroon. This is as a result of weak institutional support as management is most often deficient and the budget for conservation inadequate. The methodology used in this study is qualitative and the method adopted is the doctrinal method. This paper finds that the legal framework for environmental justice in the forestry sector of Cameroon is relatively weak. This is because from a review of the laws in Cameroon, there are regulations governing environmental protection but with actually little regard of environmental justice or the integration of environmental justice policies into the system. This explains why environmental costs and benefits are not equitably distributed in Cameroon. There is need for rigorous review and amendment of environmental laws which is inadequate in dealing with environmental justice concerns (provision of finance, management plans, and development projects).