A book on the experiences and lessons learnt by Cameroon in drawing up the readiness proposal of the REDD+ initiatiev has been launched.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published a book on the “Experiences and Lessons Learnt by Cameroon in the Drawing Up of the Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) with regard to the REDD+ Innitiative.” The publication was presented at a ceremony in Yaounde on September 10, 2015, during which it was revealed that it was high time stakeholders capitalise on the strides the country has made in the implementation of the REDD+  concept.

The editorial team of the book counts Professor Roger Ngoufo of the Cameroon Environmental Watch, Professor Joseph Armathé Amougou, Focal Point of the REDD+ in the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, MINEPDED and Remi Jiagho, Chargé de Programme at IUCN, with MINEPDED, Hele Pierre prefacing.

The Programme Coordinator of IUCN-Cameroon, Dr Leonard Usongo revealed that the lessons learnt as per the book with regard to the involvement of government were critical. Accroding to him, the whole process lacked transparency in terms of information sharing. It has not allowed other stakeholders like the civil society, the indegenous forest people and minority groups to actively get involved in its implementation-phase. He said “this is not a government-driven action. It should be participatory to give the Redd+ initiative in Cameroon its legitimacy.”

The international body overseing the REDD+ intitiave has rejected the Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) in other countries for work fairly done. Cameroon is therefore proud to have had its 59-page publication validated. “We started and continued through the process of learning by doing and we ended by mastering the originality of Cameroon which led to its validation,” said Prof Ngoufo. The input of the book to the fight against climate change is not direct, but experts said it is strategic and should serve as an  inspiration for countries, experts, students and the civil society in the drawing up and implementation of pilot field projects in council areas and comunities that can help mitigate climate change.