Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Cameroon: Realities and Perspectives
摘要
The incessant deployment of climate-malign and unsustainable practices by man is driving the world to the brink of a climate catastrophe. This is evidenced by the recurrence of extreme weather/climate events across the globe. Africa in general and Cameroon in particular is being battered by weather/climate extremes and this is predicted to worsen in the coming years. It is against this background that this chapter looks at the role nature-based solutions can play toward enhancing adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, taking Cameroon as case study. The chapter is based on an in-depth review of 200 empirical research papers in Cameroon. Results show that the main nature-based solutions aiding adaptation to and mitigation of climate change in Cameroon are the tropical rainforest, mangroves, Afromontane or highlands forest, bamboo forest, agroforestry, mono-tree plantations (mainly Eucalyptus, Podocarpus, Cypress, and whistling pine), protected areas, renewable energy notably hydroelectricity and solar energy, community forests, apiculture, analog forestry, botanic gardens, organic farming, ecotourism, as well as urban gardens and green spaces. With this plethora of nature-based solutions in Cameroon, there is the need for more action and better policies geared toward scaling up these sustainable and climate-smart practices, as this will go a long way to enhance adaptation to and mitigation of climate change in Cameroon.