The project is led by ERuDeF, an NGO from western Cameroon with proven experience in establishing protected areas in the region. It has 44 staff across various specialities. It previously received PPI funding, which enabled the creation of the Tofala Hills Cross River Gorilla Sanctuary (8,000 ha, currently undergoing official recognition).
Mak-Betchou is a 6,900-ha mountainous forest area, located at altitudes between 700 and 1,700 m in Lebialem department, 500 km from Buea. It is home to a population of around 300 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti, the largest population in western Cameroon’s forests), critically endangered Cross River gorillas, more than 50-100 elephants, and more than 100 drills.
Straddling the Nkingkwa forest (3,000 ha) to the east and the Santchou (7,000 ha) and Banyang-Mbo (elephant sanctuary, 66,000 ha) Wildlife Reserves to the south-east and west respectively, protecting this forest massif — threatened in particular by intensive hunting — could help connect an area of 80,000 ha.
With the backing of strong foreign donors, ERuDeF also intends to involve hunters in income-generating activities such as beekeeping, livestock farming and sustainable agriculture, alongside the anti-poaching operations already carried out by staff of the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) and the regular monitoring patrols conducted by Village Forest Management Committees under the previous project.
The target area is surrounded by 5 main villages. 200 households (1,000 people) will benefit directly from the project, and around 15,000 indirectly.