Environmental law and policy in Cameroon - towards making Africa the tree of life

Cameroon – formerly a German colony situated at the Gulf of Guinea – is a geostrategically relevant Central African country rich in natural resources. Cameroonian law is a fascination stemming from different sources of law. The influences of British and French law, combined with the customary law of the numerous ethnic groups, are a reflection of the existing legal pluralism – also in the area of environmental protection. The publication adapts itself to today's language policy of Cameroon, which is predetermined by its Constitution, including both English and French chapters. Cameroonian environmental law and national environmental policy are examined in the interplay of international environmental norms and standards. It also addresses the environmental law of the African Union and that of the regional economic communities in Central Africa. In detail, topics such as environmental management, water and land law, conservation of biodiversity, resource protection law, mining and energy law, criminal aspects of environmental law, climate change law, environmental justice and human rights, as well as the legal framework conditions of international trade and sustainable development are presented. In doing so, the publication reflects legal and political options for regulating environmental interests in the African context, which are also relevant for international development cooperation and economic exchange. In addition, the work provides a solid basis for comparative environmental law. With contributions by Prof. Dr. Joseph Armathé Amougou; Sylvain N. Atanga; Dr. Marie Jeanne Carolle Atontsa epse Ndemefo; Marie-Madeleine Bassalang; Dr. Jean Marcial Bell; Dr. Jean-Marie Vianney Bendegue; Dr. François Narcisse Djame; Dr. Frédéric Foka Taffo; Adele Foni Fouth Kinie; Patrick Mbomba Forghab; Justice Prudence Galega; Paul Guy Hyomeni; Edwige Jounda; Andreas Kahler; Prof. Dr. Emmanuel D. Kam Yogo; Eric Koua; Dr. Georges Francis Mback Tina; Dr. Robert Mbiake; Paule Jessie Nanfah; Durando Ndongsok; Dr. Joseph Magloire Ngang; Emma Marie Solange Ngondje Songue; Dr. Marie Ngo Nonga; Samuel Nguiffo; Gideon Ngwome Fosoh; Augustine B. Njamnshi; Kaspa K. Nyongkaa; Dr. Michel Nyoth Hiol; Daniel Armel Owona Mbarga; Prof. Dr. Oliver C. Ruppel; Dr. Katharina Ruppel-Schlichting; Prof. Dr. Christopher F. Tamasang; Prof. Dr. Jean-Marie Tchakoua; Andre Felix Martial Tchoffo.