Historic Milestone for Mangrove Conservation in Douala IV: Municipal Decree Adopted Following WTG Advocacy
A major step forward for mangrove conservation has been achieved in Douala IV with the official adoption of a Municipal Decree establishing a governance framework for the sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems.
The decree, signed by the Mayor of the Douala IV Sub-Divisional Council, Edouard Hervé Moby Mpah, represents a landmark achievement in local environmental governance and mangrove protection along the Wouri Estuary.
A Major Advocacy Success for Watershed Task Group
This policy milestone is the result of a long and collaborative process led by the Watershed Task Group, which served as the principal civil society driver behind the initiative.
WTG initiated and supported the process from its earliest stages. The organization conducted preliminary field assessments and surveys to document the state of mangrove degradation and the pressures facing these critical ecosystems. Building on this evidence, WTG facilitated consultation meetings with local stakeholders, including community members, fishers, mangrove wood users, municipal authorities, and other sector actors.
Through its advocacy and technical engagement with the municipality, WTG also acted as a technical partner in the development of the legislation, helping to draft and shape the municipal decree that now forms the basis for mangrove governance in Douala IV.
This achievement represents one of the most significant conservation advocacy successes for WTG, demonstrating how evidence-based advocacy and strong collaboration with local authorities can translate into concrete environmental policy at the municipal level.
Protecting a Vital Ecosystem
Mangroves in Douala IV provide essential ecosystem services, including coastal protection, flood regulation, carbon storage, biodiversity habitat, and support for fisheries-based livelihoods. However, increasing urban expansion and unsustainable resource extraction have placed these ecosystems under growing pressure.
The new municipal decree establishes a local governance framework to regulate the use, protection, and restoration of mangrove ecosystems within the municipality. It also encourages collaboration between public institutions, local communities, and environmental organizations to ensure sustainable management of these resources.
The initiative contributes to Cameroon’s broader commitments to wetland conservation under international frameworks such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Strengthening Local Environmental Governance
By adopting this decree, the municipality of Douala IV is positioning itself as a leader in local ecosystem governance and climate resilience in Cameroon’s coastal region.
For the Watershed Task Group, this achievement highlights the importance of community engagement, scientific evidence, and sustained advocacy in shaping policies that protect critical ecosystems.
WTG remains committed to working with the Douala IV Council, local communities, and partners to ensure the effective implementation of the decree and to continue advancing mangrove restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives throughout the municipality.
This milestone demonstrates that local action, when supported by strong partnerships and evidence-based advocacy, can deliver lasting solutions for both people and nature.