Raising Awareness of Timber Logging
On April 22, 2015, the Bissam Chiefdom’s talking tree hosted an information and awareness-raising meeting for the village’s local population regarding the logging of part of the Ambam-Ebolowa Forest Management Unit (UFA 0919, felling area 4-2). Chaired by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Ebolowa II, the meeting brought together the Sub-Divisional Office’s staff, the Mayor of Ebolowa II Council, the Chief of Bissam Village, the representative of the Mvila Departmental Delegation of Forests and Wildlife, the Director of General Affairs, the Quality Manager, and the Controller of Cameroon United Forests (CUF), as well as a large number of villagers.
Contributing to the socio-economic development of villages
The objective of this meeting was to raise awareness and inform the population about the merits of the CUF’s exploitation of part of the council’s forest. The CUF’s Director of General Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Mpouma, recalled that the 50% of the Annual Forestry Fee (RFA) paid to the municipalities affected by the UFAs is allocated 70% to socio-economic development in the communal area and 30% to communal management, according to the latest ministerial decree. Fifty percent of the Annual Forestry Fee (RFA) is also paid to the relevant municipality. The meeting provided an opportunity to address the villagers’ questions and grievances, as well as the compensation provided for accidental or forced damage to crops, assistance with the construction of a watchtower for the Chiefdom, and financial contributions for various social projects. The CUF, concerned about the social development of the riverside villages, responded generously.
