Promoting ecotourism led by the Bagyéli people of Campo Ma’an

The project is located on the periphery of Campo-Ma’an National Park, in south-western Cameroon.

The Park holds strong tourism potential thanks to its natural riches (it lies within the West African Guinean Forest biodiversity hotspot), as well as its socio-cultural value, owing to the presence of the Indigenous Bagyéli people, who have maintained their traditional way of life (dances, rites).

Tourism activity remains very limited so far: the Park lacks developed circuits and facilities, and communities lack the organisation and know-how needed to showcase their culture and identity. Potential nonetheless exists, given the proximity of the seaside town of Kribi.

The management of the National Park’s forest resources follows a zoning plan separating the Permanent Forest Domain (the National Park proper) from the Non-Permanent Forest Domain — an agroforestry zone where the semi-nomadic Bagyéli people now live, having lost free access to the Park.

Established in 2003, the Organisation pour la Nature, l’Environnement et le Développement (ONED) works towards the socio-economic development of local and Indigenous communities living around Campo-Ma’an National Park, through the sustainable management of natural resources.

With this project, ONED aims to harness the Park’s ecotourism potential and promote tourist circuits showcasing visible elements of Bagyéli culture, alongside the discovery of the Park’s natural riches.

The association is also active on other issues concerning the Bagyéli, including Park access rights, non-timber product exploitation, health and education.

• Enhance the value of Bagyéli culture;

• Promote the discovery of the natural riches found within the National Park;

• Raise awareness of the ecotourism potential and sell tourist circuits.