Exchange to Change June 2018 E2C-may18-web | Page 9

INTERVIEW
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connected, rather than isolated, if
wildlife populations are to remain
viable.
E2C: Francis, on the basis of your
PhD research, what would be your
recommendations to Cameroon and
other developing countries?
FM: One of the main challenges
between livelihood and wildlife
conservation is the conflict of interest
between actors in terms of power and
access. Therefore, my research suggests
that improving livelihood practices and
value by empowering local people with
knowledge and skills on sustainable
livelihood opportunities might go a
long way towards assuring local people
that wildlife conservation will have
little or no effect on their interests in
livelihood. However, this also entails
high financial costs which should be
taken into account in the planning
phase. Furthermore, there is a strong
need for the development of financial
mechanisms to finance sustainable
forest management innovations.
In addition, promoting downward
accountability and transparency in
forest resource management through
public reporting and debate could go
a long way to improve sustainable
outputs.
Community representatives at Mpanga CFR proposed CFM land
Taxi carrying forest harvested resources of Mondia whytei taken into the nearest town
E xchange to change J une 2018