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World Resources Institute &
Cameroon Agree to Monitor Forests and Curb Illegal Logging
The
World Resources Institute's Global Forest Watch and
the Government of Cameroon signed an agreement on June
6, 2002 to share data and maps about the country's forests
in a bid to curb rampant illegal logging. The agreement
stipulates that Cameroon's Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MINEF) will provide Global Forest Watch with
information on forest concessions and allocations in
the country. In turn, WRI will produce reports on the
state of forest concessions in Cameroon and create maps
that will enable MINEF officials to detect illegal logging
in the country.
Maps
of logging roads created by Global Forest Watch from
satellite imagery, combined with accurate information
on where logging may legally take place, will permit
the identification of problem areas and prioritize them
for field audits. Satellite imagery makes it possible
to detect new logging roads outside of active concession
areas and in national parks. They will also help to
determine whether the rate and extent of logging follows
forest management plans. For more information, visit
http://www.globalforestwatch.org.
 Congo
Basin Forest Partnership Launched
The United States along with six Central African
countries and several NGOs have committed to a new partnership
aimed at promoting economic development, poverty alleviation,
improved governance, and natural resource conservation
through support for a network of national parks and
protected areas, well-managed forestry concessions,
and assistance to communities who depend upon the conservation
of the outstanding forest and wildlife resources of
eleven key. Among its goals, the Congo Basin Partnership
will improve forest and natural resource governance
through community-based management, combating illegal
logging, and enforcing anti-poaching laws while helping
countries develop a network of effectively managed national
parks, protected areas, and corridors. The United States
proposes to invest up to $53 million over four years
(2002-2005), including a $36 million increase for the
Central African Regional Program for the Environment
(CARPE). Additional funding will come from G8 nations,
the EU, and the private sector. For more information,
visit http://www.state.gov/g/oes/sus/13025.htm.
For
more news on forests, see these articles:
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