Sacred Forests in the Western Highlands-Cameroon : Ethnobotany Role and Indigenous Conservation of Biodiversity.
Journal Title: Advance Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Discoveries - Year 2019, Vol 35, Issue 35
Abstract
Deforestation in tropic and sub-tropical regions can be attributed to the change in land use system from forests to agriculture and industrialization. The social and scientific role of Ethnobotany are becoming more consistently defined. Its importance as a tool for complementing management and conservation strategies of biodiversity is now well recognized. In this work, ethnobotanic exploration was undertaken in the Western Highlands of Cameroon in 2017, specifically sacred forest of “Mbing Mekoup”, “Bamendjinda” and “Bamendjo” counties. It assesses the importance of ethnobotany role of species conservation in these forests. A total of 62 species belonging to 31 families and 57 genera were identified using 20m x 20m quadrat method. Among the identified species, 34% represents those with a socio-cultural importance, with numerous nontimber forest products being collected for multiple uses (Piper umbellatum used during the twin’s ritual ceremony, Bridelia speciosa, Prunus africana and Albizia gummifera being used for therapeutic purposes). Survey via interviews with indigenous from these counties revealed that these sacred forests have been protected by oral tradition for centuries. They also considered it as prioritized places reserved for traditional healers. In spite of this indigenous conservation effort, rapid increase of population, poverty and lack of arable farm land have ushered the way to degradation of these relic forests though very important in maintaining biological balances.
Authors and Affiliations
Bertine Tiokeng, Louis Zapfack, Victor François Nguetsop, Zacharie Saha, Chofong Gilbert Nchongboh, Roland Nnomo Douanla
Keywords
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