Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Conclusion
Togo (Félix and Van Waerebeek
2007
; Van Waerebeek
et al.
2007
; Bamy et al.
2010
). Near Lolabe, in the South
Region, coastal forest clearance, reportedly for new port
construction and access roads, was blatantly evident. Of
obvious immediate concern is the Cameroon dolphin, our
only sighting of which was registered in the South Region.
Sediment and detritus run-off may significantly alter and
degrade the coastal habitat with a negative impact on littoral
biodiversity. Impacts of a fully operational new port evi-
dently could be major. If neritic fish populations decline,
and with increased disturbance, near shore-living cetaceans,
in particular Cameroon dolphins and (inshore-ecotype)
common bottlenose dolphins, are going to be affected. It is
worth remembering that no sightings of Atlantic humpback
dolphin have ever been reported near a major port in its
entire range (Van Waerebeek et al.
2003
).
Cameroon estuaries hold important marine fauna (birds,
mammals and sea turtles); most of them are listed under
important conventions and laws. Although this legislation,
they are facing many threats from human activities along
the area. In the future, many actions involving all stake-
holders need to be taken.
This area does not operate in isolation but is connected
ecologically with human needs. As a result, certain decisions
need to be made at a higher level to ensure overall sustain-
ability (taking into account social equity, economical growth
and ecological integrity). It should be better to set up con-
servation programmes according main strategic objectives
and goals need to be achieved for the vision with key actions.
Acknowledgements Thanks are due to all who were involved in these
surveys particularly Koen Van Waerebeek from Conservation and
Research of West African Aquatic Mammals, Ecological Laboratory
(COREWAM), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; COREWAM-
Senegal, Musée de la Mer/IFAN, Ile de Gorée, Dakar, Senegal; Centro
Peruano de Estudios Cetológicos (CEPEC), Lima 20, Peru; Gabriel
Segniagbeto from Département de Zoologie et de Biologie Animale,
Faculté des Sciences, Université de Lomé, Togo; and Jacques Fretey
from IUCN and Chélonée-France. We also express gratitude to all
technical fields from Kudù à Tubè, Cameroon Marine Biology Asso-
ciation (CMBA) and CWCS (Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society
(CWCS).
Waterbirds
Apart from the mentioned threats to marine faunal diversity
directly or indirectly faced by waterbirds, they are subjected
to additional risk of coastal wetlands loss from upland and
catchment deforestation, water diversion, encroachment
into protected areas and non-protected areas (due to popu-
lation expansion) (Ajonina and Ayissi
2012
).
References
Addressing the Threats and Future Directions
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sedimentology to waterbird numbers from longterm monthly
monitoring of waterbirds within the lower Sanaga basin. In: 13th
Pan-African ornithological congress, Arusha, Tanzania, p 7
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The almost complete lack of scientific data on the biology,
distribution, stock structure and abundance of sea turtles and
cetaceans in Cameroon waters makes it difficult to properly
assess the impact of these threats, let alone addressed them.
An acceleration of research is urged with the involvement of
national Universities and Research Centres. More faunal
surveys are needed to unveil the potentials of the area and
the need for the establishment of important relationships
between species abundance, site temporal conditions
(sandbank dynamics) and socio-economic activities with the
view to identifying sustainable wetland ecosystem utiliza-
tion options.
In order to achieve management of Cameroon's estuaries
with important flagship species encountered, strategies
could be set up to deal with the key threats that prevent the
achievement of the vision of conservation. It is urgent to
develop programmes according national and international
laws and policies by action plan with the following goals:
• Identify key threats;
• Action to address key threats;
• Tools and methods required for these programmes;
• Also it is urgent to involve all stakeholders in this area.
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