The SWM Programme site is in the Djoum-Mintom landscape, south Cameroon. A primary goal is to enable government institutions and communities to manage and sustainably use land and natural resources under their care. The Programme is co-creating systems that promote sustainable hunting and trade in wild meat. The initiative is also helping diversify sources of community income and improving subsistence agriculture to reduce hunting of threatened species. This will help conservation efforts in the region and stabilize populations of species resilient to hunting, thus improving food security and livelihoods. Following the One Health approach, and in collaboration with public health services, the programme will implement a community-based system for preventing, raising awareness, and monitoring food-borne diseases among local populations
The SWM Programme in Cameroon is working with ten Baka and ten Bantu communities. Field activities are coordinated by CIFOR-ICRAF in collaboration with the National Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF).
Output 1: Community rights and governance
The Programme aims to improve understanding of national laws, particularly those relating to community rights and forest resource utilization. Communities are receiving legal assistance to facilitate their involvement in decision-making processes and ensure that their voices are heard on issues around the use of their forests by logging companies and others. The activities are being carried out with the national government and policymakers to inform future forest policies.Output 2: Adaptive wildlife management
The management objectives are being defined in consultation with all the participating communities. Data on wildlife populations and habitats are being systematically collected. This includes re-evaluating hunting territories and tracking hunting patterns using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices carried by hunters. The data collected will inform conservation strategies and be used to assess the effectiveness of management activities. Regular community meetings will be held to review the information. The results will be used to define and improve community activities and interventions to achieve the agreed management goals.
Output 3: Healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption
Ensuring healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption involves promoting effective sustainable hunting management systems, and diversifying income and food sources. Our work is encouraging both. This is done by relying on Indigenous Peoples and local communities ecological knowledge to improve current livelihood strategies while ensuring that local governance structures are rooted in traditional decision-making systems. Cooperation among governments, local communities, businesses, and other stakeholders is crucial for establishing resilient supply chains. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns are vital for encouraging conservation and responsible behaviour among consumers and stakeholders. These efforts reduce the harvesting of threatened species, maintain stable game populations, and improve food security and livelihoods.
Output 4: Zoonotic risk prevention and management
Recognizing the interconnection between the health of humans, animals, and the environment, the project is following a multidisciplinary approach to address health challenges. This involves collaboration among professionals to prevent and control zoonotic diseases transmitted by wildlife at the site. By focusing on high-risk and poorly understood areas, the aim is to empower communities to effectively prevent, reduce, and manage the risks of wildlife-borne diseases. Through education and hands-on training, communities will learn strategies to safeguard their well-being, ultimately promoting resilience and reducing the incidence of zoonotic diseases. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive health solutions that benefit both local populations and wildlife conservation efforts.
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