Protection and conservation of the marine environment in Cameroon | Image credit: Google Maps
Protection and conservation of the marine environment in Cameroon | Image credit: Google Maps

Despite the value and importance of Cameroon's freshwater and marine environment, with more than 1000 species of fish, aquatic ecosystems are under threat from human activities: overexploitation, pollution, climate change, and so on.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is one of many international and regional agreements signed by the Cameroonian government in its efforts to save the freshwater and marine environment.

UNCLOS

Opened for signature in 1982, UNCLOS entered into force in 1994. It has since been ratified by 170 parties, including some forty African countries. Cameroon joined in 1995, determined to put an end to the depletion of its natural resources and the dwindling of its marine wealth.

UNCLOS contains over 300 articles, divided into 17 parts and nine annexes. It is a framework convention, described as "an umbralla" in the sense that "it sets out the basic framework for states to exercise jurisdiction over most activities at sea, but it does not contain the detailed rules to govern those activities".

Among other things, UNCLOS encourages states to cooperate globally and regionally for the purpose of establishing international laws and standards, and requires member states to take measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from all sources, including land-based sources, exploration and exploitation of the seabed, dumping at sea, pollution from ships and vessels and atmospheric pollution.

National framework

In addition to the international and regional frameworks, Cameroon has developed a national framework, which is reflected in a large number of laws, plans and regulations, as well as numerous ministries involved.

As part of the enforcement and implementation of the governance framework for the sector, two important documents have been developed: the National Environmental Management Plan (1996) and the National Action Plan for the Management of Marine and Coastal Areas (2010).

Kribi, 2004. Kribi is a resort town and port in the South Region of Cameroon. It's known for its sandy beaches | Image credit: Louise Boumso

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