Implementation of field activities

Planned activities are  being implemented through CWCS traditional multi-partners/stakeholders participatory approach (see governance structure) involving technical partners (international governmental and nongovernmental organisations) including universities, donors, networks (mangrove network) and local partners (local administration, local government services, private sectors, consultants, etc). Collaboration is being strengthened with the existing partners while new ones will be identified and reinforced.

CWCS also participate through research activities in other inland aquatic areas in Cameroon especially floodplains within the north western regions such as Ndop plain, Santa, etc.

 Overview of current status and conservation of Upper Nyong wetlands

The Upper Nyong Wetlands located within the Centre and East Regions of Cameroon is probably the largest and relatively intact inland wetlands ecosystem in Central Africa. The area covering more than 200,000ha is characterised by different vegetation types ranging from extensive ‘pseudo’ riverine mangroves consisting of pure stands of Poga oleosia (Rhizophoraceae); grass and raphia swamps, periodic and permanent inundated swamp forests; and lowland gallery and ridge forests ecosystems.

Overview of current status and conservation of mangroves and associated coastal forests in Cameroon

Cameroon coastal zone (c590km) situated in extreme north eastern corner of the Gulf of Guinea stretches from the Nigerian coastal to Equatorial Guinea borders. The zone is characterised by equatorial climate type with quite variable wetlands comprising tropical forests; rocky and sandy beaches; mudflats; giant estuarine mangrove forest in major rivers (Ndian, Meme, Mungo,  Wouri, Dibamba, Sanaga, Nyong and Ntem); estuaries and coastal lagoons and lakes especially lake Ossa (4000ha) being the second largest lake after Lake Chad.

CWCS is actively contributing in shaping the conservation landscape of West/Central Africa especially in the area of mangrove assessment and conservation. NGOs capacities have been built in this regard. CWCS implemented the UNEP REDD Central African Mangrove Project aimed at assessing the carbon pools and multiple ecosystem services of mangroves in Central Africa for REDD+. Through the collaborative programme, over 10 permanent sample plots were 10 (0.1ha) permanent sample plots (PSP) were established in Gabon, Congo and RDC within the period 2011-2012 to compliment 15 PSPs established since 2002. Similar plots have also been established in Benin using the same methodology.