Volume state failure and governance in vulnerable states

An assessment of forest law compliance and enforcement in Cameroon

Cameroon’s forests have a high biodiversity value. The government of Cameroon put in place new forestry and wildlife management legislation in 1994, with an emphasis on the management of logging concessions. Paradoxically, the reform of the forest law occurred at a time when many social groups were contesting the state’s authority. An analysis of compliance with and enforcement of the forest law by some stakeholders reveals the weaknesses of the forest administration, which has caused serious problems, among them the weakness of public services appointed to monitor and control forest activities, the loss of financial incomes to the public budgets, and negative impacts on local communities.