Why Are Mangroves Disappearing in Cameroon?

August 24, 2024

Author: Trésor Daniel MEFIRE

Country: Cameroon

Photo credit: AFRIK 21 Website. Mangroves

SUMMARY

Cameroon's mangroves and its vital coastal ecosystems are facing severe degradation, with 66% already compromised and nearly 3,000 hectares disappearing annually. These ecosystems, which cover approximately 234,000 hectares, provide essential resources for over 30% of the coastal population, including fishery products and medicinal plants. They also play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon and protecting coastlines from erosion and flooding. However, threats such as over-exploitation of resources, industrial activities, and climate change are accelerating their decline. The consequences include increased coastal erosion, food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity. To combat these challenges, solutions such as community education, sustainable resource management, and strict environmental policies are necessary. Preserving mangroves is critical not only for environmental health but also for the economic and social well-being of coastal communities in Cameroon. Effective management strategies and public awareness are essential for ensuring the survival of these ecosystems.

BACKGROUND

Why are Cameroon's mangroves disappearing?

Introduction

Mangroves are rare and unique coastal ecosystems that develop at the boundary between land and sea. They grow along coastlines in calm, low-oxygen waters. They are rich in biodiversity, both in terms of flora and fauna. Some species of mangroves, can sometimes grow up to 40 m high (Ngounou, 2021), have roots that are both aerial and submerged. There are three types of mangroves (mangroves associated with deltas and estuaries, mangroves associated with coastal embayment's and mangroves of reefs and lagoons). In Africa, and particularly in Cameroon, these ecosystems play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity, supporting the livelihoods of local communities and regulating marine ecosystems. Cameroon, is home to one of the largest expanses of mangroves in Central Africa, representing around 234,000 hectares, or around 6% of mangrove cover in Africa (MINEPDED-RCM, 2017).

1. Importance of Mangroves

This precious ecosystem provides spawning and rearing habitat for animals. In Cameroon, more than 30% of the coastal population needs come from mangrove’s resources (Zongo and al., 2018), in particular through the exploitation of fishery products, non-timber and ligneous. This essential ecosystem is one of the best weapons against climate change, due to its strong capacity to absorb carbon. Mangroves perform multiple functions like:

-stabilizing coasts and serving as barriers against continental erosion, strong winds, storms and floods. -they behave like “sponges” and collect rainwater and flood water. -they refill the groundwater and aid in the purification of wastewater. -they have aesthetic values and therapeutic values, because many medicinal plants are found there, and are used by the communities. -they have cultural value because it’s a place of rites, spiritual retreat, where local communities can continue to preserve their identities.

2. Threats to Mangroves

Despite their importance, Cameroon's mangroves face numerous threats: 66% of mangroves are degraded, nearly 3,000 hectares of mangroves disappear every year, equivalent to the surface area of over 4,200 soccer pitches a year (Ngounou, 2021). The main threats to the well-being of this ecosystem are as follows. Very high demographic pressure combined with anarchic exploitation of resources, misinformation (some see them as a reservoir for mosquitoes and reptiles). Over-exploitation of natural resources, notably wood for construction and fuel, industrial and agricultural activities and unsustainable fishing.

 3. Consequences of Threats to Mangroves

Deforestation of mangroves exposes coasts to erosion, increasing the vulnerability of coastal communities to storms and flooding. Declining fish stocks and non-timber forest products lead to food insecurity and loss of income. Mangroves store large quantities of carbon (3 to 4 times more per hectare than forests) (Alongi, 2014), and their destruction releases this carbon into the atmosphere. This accelerates climate change. Finally, the destruction of mangroves reduces the habitats available for many marine species, leading to a reduction in biodiversity, marine food chains and ecosystem resilience.

4. Solutions to Threats

To preserve the mangroves of Cameroon, several solutions can be implemented: raising awareness and educating local communities about the importance of mangroves and involving them in their management, implementing sustainable resource management practices (controlled logging and sustainable fishing), mangrove restoration and ecological compensation. The development and application of strict environmental policies to protect this precious ecosystem.

Conclusion

Mangroves in Africa, and particularly in Cameroon, are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, protect coasts and provide essential resources for local communities. However, they are threatened by various human activities and climate change, with serious consequences for biodiversity, coastal erosion, livelihoods and climate. To ensure their survival, it is imperative to adopt sustainable management strategies, raise public awareness and implement effective protection policies. Preserving mangroves is not only an environmental issue, but also a necessity for the economic and social well-being of coastal populations.

REFERENCES

1. Alongi, D.M., 2014. Carbon cycling and storage in mangrove forests. Annual Review of Marine 6, 195-219.

2. ATLAS DES MANGROVES DU CAMEROUN, MINEPDED-RCM, Juin 2017.

3. Ajonina G.N., 2008. Impact of timber exploitation on the mangrove forests of Douala-Edea. Tropical Conservation Science. 2008.

4. Ngonou, B., 2022. CAMEROON: Planète urgence launches the restoration of 1,000 hectares of mangroves. AFRIK 21. DOI: https://www.afrik21.africa/cameroun-planete-urgence-lance-la-restauration-de-1-000-hectares-de-mangrove/

5. Zongo P., Chuyong G., Moudingo J.H., "Les mangroves du Cameroun: état des lieux et gestion". FAO. 2018

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