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Cameroon’s current land law appears to have two conflicting objectives: to attract investors through large-scale land concessions; while protecting biodiversity;defending local people’s rights and promoting rural development. But the legislation governing large-scale land-based investments is outdated and sometimes incoherent. The land allocation process is investor driven and does not appropriately balance economic;social or environmental considerations. Overlaps between the habitats of great apes;community lands and recently established agro-industries pose a threat to conservation efforts and community livelihoods. Based on recent research;this article suggests land law reforms that the government of Cameroon could implement to effectively address these issues;including revising the concession allocation process so that relevant public authorities and local communities are involved and using Environmental and Social Impact Assessments to better inform decisions.
