National User Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, MINEPDED

Cameroon

Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature,” is characterized by a remarkable diversity of ecosystems. The country is home to dense tropical rainforests, savannas, semi-arid areas, mountain ecosystems, as well as freshwater, marine, and coastal environments. This natural wealth provides an ideal setting for observing and monitoring ecosystem changes. However, these ecosystems are facing increasing pressures from deforestation, habitat degradation, pollution, invasive alien species, and climate change.

Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED)

The Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) is the government authority responsible for implementing Cameroon’s policies on environmental protection, nature conservation, and sustainable development. Its mandate includes biodiversity conservation, ecological and climate monitoring, as well as the coordination of environmental policies and programmes.

To fulfil these responsibilities, the Ministry notably includes a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Management, which is responsible for biodiversity protection, nature restoration, and ecological monitoring. In this capacity, MINEPDED also provides strategic leadership for the implementation and monitoring of Cameroon’s Third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP III).

Cameroon’s Planned Involvement in the WEED Project

Within the framework of the World Ecosystem Extent Dynamics (WEED) project, MINEPDED will contribute to the development and assessment of Earth Observation (EO)-based approaches aimed at improving the mapping and monitoring of ecosystem changes in Cameroon. This work will focus on the six major ecosystem groups recognized at the national level and will draw on data, maps, field observations, and existing knowledge from government agencies, research institutions, and other national stakeholders.

Cameroon’s participation in the WEED project provides an opportunity to strengthen national capacities in advanced remote sensing, ecological monitoring, environmental early-warning systems, modelling, and integrated data management. These areas are among the priorities identified in NBSAP III. The project will also help improve the availability and regular updating of spatial data on ecosystem extent and dynamics. This information can be integrated into the National Biodiversity Information System (NBIS), in connection with the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM). It will thereby support the monitoring of NBSAP III indicators, the planning of conservation and restoration actions, and the preparation of national biodiversity reports.

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