Read Previous Newsletters

The Ngoyla Mintom Campaign has produced two previous newsletters. The first newsletter provides background information about the Ngoyla Mintom rainforest and threats to its survival.

The second newsletter provides an update to the current situation, and an inventory of species living in the forest, based upon an expedition to the area in 2009.

A third newsletter will be produced and will be available online, and via our mailing list, by the end of 2010.

Decision Due for Rainforest

Over recent months, preparations have been advanced for logging the 1 million hectare Ngoyla Mintom rainforest in the south of Cameroon, including repairing local roads and measuring out logging trails in the forest. However, simultaneously, a serious proposal has been made to the Cameroon Forest Ministry (MINFOF) from Wildlife Works Carbon to support the long-term conservation of Ngoyla Mintom, given its high climate and biodiversity importance.

This new proposal seeks to conserve the entire Ngoyla Mintom rainforest, and would address the financial and development needs of both the government and local people. Nonetheless, an official decision has still not yet been made, and its seems that the fate of this globally important rainforest hangs in the balance.

Individuals and organisations interested in, and concerned about, the fate of Ngoyla Mintom – and rainforest conservation in general – are thus urged to write to the Cameroon Minister of Forestry, calling upon him to officially endorse the new proposal, and to rule out logging, using the contact details provided below. A model campaign letter is also provided. However, it would have more force if you added your own thoughts and ideas, and please be sure to add you own name and address.

Please write to, or email:

Prof. Ngolle Ngolle, Ministère des Forêts et de la Faune, Immeuble Ministériel N°2, Boulevard du 20 mai, B.P. 12489, Yaoundè, Cameroon

email: ngolles@hotmail.com

Thanks for your help!

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MODEL CAMPAIGN LETTER

[Your Address Here]

Dear Prof. Ngolle Ngolle

I am writing to you concerning Ngoyla Mintom, one of the most important rainforests in the world. As I am sure you are already aware, this 1 million hectare rainforest is home to an amazing diversity of species, including 18 species of primates, 26 species of tree frogs and at least 153 mammals. The area also forms a vital link between neighbouring rainforests and protected areas, and is an important homeland for the Baka Indigenous Forest People.

I understand that in recent months a serious proposal has been made by Wildlife Works Carbon to support the long-term conservation of Ngoyla Mintom, and the sustainable development of local communities, given the area's biodiversity and climate importance. However, I also understand that preparations have been made for the logging of the rainforest, following on from previous plans to sell logging rights, and that an official decision regarding the fate of Ngoyla Mintom has not yet been taken.

If logging is permitted in this area, it would destroy a globally important natural and cultural area, and would also remove a large carbon sink, exacerbating ongoing climate change. I thus call upon you to rule out the logging of Ngoyla Mintom and to officially endorse the recent proposal from Wildlife Works Carbon to support the long-term conservation of this area.

As Forestry Minister, you have an important choice. Either Cameroon can become a pioneer in the long-term conservation of rainforests or you could preside over a decision to destroy one of the most important natural areas in the world.

I trust that you will make the right choice.

Yours sincerely

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LOCATION OF NGOYLA MINTOM

Welcome to the Ngoyla Mintom Campaign, a new initiative created in 2009 to support the conservation and sustainable development of Ngoyla Mintom, a 1 million hectare rainforest in southern Cameroon.

Ngoyla Mintom is a globally important rainforest, incredibly rich in biodiversity, including gorillas, elephants, chimpanzees and mandrills. The area also forms a vital link between neighbouring protected areas in Cameroon, Gabon and Congo, which together form part of a vast 15 million hectare forest.

Unfortunately, Ngoyla Mintom is in peril. The government of Cameroon, under pressure given the current economic crisis, announced in December 2008 that it will begin granting logging concessions for the forest within the next few months unless a robust and large proposal can be secured from the international conservation community to financially support the conservation and sustainable development of Ngoyla Mintom.

Given the importance and vulnerability of Ngoyla Mintom, the Ngoyla Mintom Campaign was created in 2009 to increase the profile of this forest and to raise funds for its conservation and sustainable development.

Those interested in learning more about Ngoyla Mintom, or wishing to contribute towards its future conservation, should email: NgoylaMintom@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks for your help!

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