Co-creation of forest resources management in the Congo basin forest: From combining indigenous knowledge and ecological methods (Japanese)

[2C01] Co-creation of forest resources management in the Congo basin forest: From combining indigenous knowledge and ecological methods

*Mikako TODA¹, *Hirokazu Yasuoka², *Shun Hongo², *Masaaki Hirai², *Kagari Shikata² (1. Sophia University, 2. Kyoto University)

Keywords:Community-based Conservation, Tropical Rain Forest, Wildlife management , Hunter-gatherers

Bushmeat has been a source of protein for local people in the Congo Basin Forest, but in recent years its sustainability has come into question. In Southeast Cameroon, the project site, timber production has expanded since the 1990s, and the roads built in the process have facilitated access for outside hunters and traders, raising concerns about the unbridled expansion of bushmeat trade. This situation is occurring not only in Cameroon, but also in tropical rainforest areas around the world, and is attracting international attention not only from the perspective of biodiversity loss, but also from the perspective of the loss of an important protein source.
On the other hand, forestry policies are actively increasing the production of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), especially nuts. In other words, two different policy directions are being promoted: bushmeat is more restricted, while production of NTFPs is encouraged. However, for local people, both are food resources that they use in many of their daily activities, and it is difficult to deal with a situation in which one is encouraged and the other restricted. Therefore, there are various conflicts between conservation authorities and other external stakeholders and local residents.
The Center for African Area Studies (CAAS), Kyoto University, is currently implementing the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) "Co-creation of innovative forest resources management combining ecological methods and indigenous knowledge" (Project Leader: Hirokazu Yasuoka) , which has been launched in FY2018, with the aim of reducing and resolving such conflicts and achieving biodiversity conservation that is compatible with promotion and the lifestyles and cultures of local people. . In this session, the speakers will report on the research results obtained so far, organize issues for social implementation, receive field feedback from researchers in charge of international development, and engage in lively discussions.