Gouvernance environnementale et gestion des aires marines protégées au Cameroun : cas du site des tortues marines d’ébodjé 1992-2021

Abstract

This study is entitled ‘‘Environmental governance and management of marine protected areas in Cameroon: the case of Ebodjé Marine turtle site (1992-2021)’’. It explore and evaluates the actions of stakeholders involved in protecting the natural environment, with a focus on protecting marine turtles in Ebodjé and conserving their habitat to contribute to sustainable development, specifically the preservation of marine animal species threatened with extinction. In recent years, there has been a growing interest from the international community in environmental protection issue. Like many countries around the world, Cameroun is committed to protecting the environment at both areas have been created to conserve and preserve biodiversity. The management of marine protected area, through Cameroon’s first marine protected area, is part of this governance of protected areas and environmental governance as a whole. To support this research, we drew on several theories. First, the theory of complex interdependence, which is evident in the continuous interactions between different stakeholders in the Ebodjé marine turtle protected site. Next, constructive theory, which allowed us to better study the role of local social actors and the meaning and scope of their actions in the management process of the Ebodje marine protected area. Finally, intergovernmental theory, which helped us understand the foundations and dynamics of inter-state cooperation, not only between the Cameroonian state and its international partners but also local and international NGOs under the prism of sustainable management of the Kribi-Ebodjé-Campo main turtle area. To carry out this reflection, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. These methods allowed us to identify the foundations of environmental governance in Cameroon, specifically the Ebodje site. They also enabled us to highlight the action taken by stakeholders and the difficulties encountered. The results of this study provide a broad overview of significant progress in terms of preserving marine biodiversity and protecting marine turtles.