Mintoul, Minfof engage in developing ecotourism

A platform for the development of ecotourism around protected areas was signed Monday in Yaounde between the Mintoul and the Minfof.

Developing ecotourism and recreation in and around protected areas, was the objective for the signing of a platform of collaboration for the promotion of ecotourism. The agreement was signed Monday between the Minister of State, Minister of tourism and recreation (Mintoul), Bello Bouba Maigari and Minister of forestry and wildlife (Minfof), Ngole Philip Ngwese.

The collaboration between the two administrations is needed where Cameroon has a vast network of protected areas (Waza Park, the Benue, Boubandjida) which are grounds for the development of ecotourism. Only, this rich potential of protected areas is undergoing more threats and various pressures, from the damages caused by the animals that live there (elephants, hippos, gorillas, chimpanzees), and conflict situations frequent between local communities and conservation services.

Things which, according to the Minister of State, significantly affect sustainable management and promotion for touristic purposes of protected areas, hence the need for the Mintoul and the Minfof to give a hand to face these numerous challenges.

Tourism is however the largest industry in the world. With more than 10% of the world market for employment, 11% of the world GDP and, according to forecasts by the World Tourism Organization, the number of tourist trips will exceed 1.5 billion in 2020. It must be recognized that the increasing and rapid industry development doesn't happen without adverse impacts on the environment, including the exhaustion of natural resources (water, soil, energy), pollution (air, noise, solid and chemical waste wastewater), degradation of biodiversity and infrastructure (roads, airports, hotels and restaurants).

Ecotourism is regarded as an effective tool for natural areas recovery or threatened cultural sites including the development of local jobs, without destroying the environment.

Therefore, the commitment of the Mintoul and the Minfof aims to contribute to the development of in from Cameroon, then, to put in place the focal for the follow-up and evaluation of the implementation of the platform.