GROPU PICTURE AT THE & CLIMATE CHANGE SYMPOSIUN FEDEV was represented by Lawyer Camila, 4th from the right & next to Sec Gen of MINEP (front line)

FEDEV takes part in “PAN AFRICAN SYMPOSIUM ON MAGROVES AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA” MAY 4 – 5, 2010, IN DOUALA CAMEROON.

It was organized by the Cameroon Mangroves Network, African Mangrove Network in Collaboration with WWF and the International Development Research Center (IDRC) within the Context of Climate Change Adaptation in Africa. It took place under the distinguished patronage of the Ministry Environment and Protection of Nature (MINEP) and the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. The Two day Conference was chaired by MINEP attended by 60 participants comprised of national and international representatives from Governments, civil society, parliament and other stakeholders. International participants came from Ghana, Senegal, Somalia, Congo Republic, DRC Congo, and Kenya. The objectives were inter alia to: - Analyze climate change impacts on marine and coastal areas - Evaluate the vulnerability of mangroves to climate change - Share results and practical experiences from country projects and initiatives sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems and promoting adaptation to climate change - Recommend and develop appropriate strategies for adaptation of mangrove ecosystems to Climate change in Africa. - Elaborate a follow up action on symposium recommendations by the African Mangrove Network.

FEDEV was represented by Ms. Nkwenti Camila Fuomene, (Member/Environmental Lawyer) who made a presentation on “legal and institutional frameworks for enhancing adaptation in mangrove ecosystem in Cameroon” The presentation emphasized that legal and policy considerations for mangrove adaptations must integrate participation and access rights in the conservation and management of mangrove biodiversity. After analyzing the current legal and institutional framework as well as some ongoing efforts, the presentation recommended: - That there is urgent need for adoption of resource specific laws and policies for conservation of mangrove and the coastal ecosystem, as well the effective implementation of those laws. - That such laws must promote participation of all stakeholders, improve resource access rights for local people and harmonization of the institutional framework - That there is need for the development and implementation of a National Adaptation Program.