Cameroon : Indicators

There are still no formal, documented and detailed consultation procedures. According to article 9 (e) of the framework law on the environment, stakeholders have to be consulted during decision-making processes related to environmental and general matters. However, the details of such consultation are still unknown, except with regard to public consultations during Environmental Impact Assessments that are regulated by decrees.

The forest law provides no legal procedure for consulting local populations or civil society organisations (CSOs) whilst new policies and laws are being developed, but there is indeed a consultation process for the classification of forests.

In general, the central government instigates debates on new norms limited to external actors such as donors and CSOs. This group of government officials has expanded over time and now includes other stakeholders selected on the basis of procedures and criteria which lack clarity. The on-going reform of forest policy seems to be more open to the consultation of civil society and communities, and CSOs such as the network of indigenous communities (RACOPY) and the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) coalition have been invited to join the negotiations table; it is hoped that other CSOs will join in these negotiations.