Some mining operations in this region are carried out in the heart of natural ecosystems

Jul 11, 2012 09:19 GMT  ·  By

WWF's 2012 report regarding mining operations presently carried out in Cameroon shows that several exploration sites overlap areas that are supposed to be under the law's protection, and that many others are to be found in the proximity of natural parks.

Apparently, said environmental organization became aware of these problems back in 2011, when Cameroon’s government asked it to draw a map of this country's protected areas.

It was then when it was first argued that certain mining companies were given permission to exploit the natural resources carefully tucked away in these regions.

When asked to make public all valid mining permits, the Ministry of Mines in Cameroon had to choice but to do so.

Thus, it was discovered that a staggering 30 mining exploration permits overlapped 12 protected areas.

It is not difficult to guess that this status quo is not just not in the least environmentally friendly, but also illegal.

As explained on the WWF official website, the aforementioned exploration permits are all the more blame-worthy as they allow mining companies to go about their business either in or close to areas where biodiversity is at its richest: the Korup National Park, the Dja World Heritage Site, Nki National Park and Bouba N'Djijda National Park.

WWF's study also makes a case of how disregarding the importance of environmental protection in favor of land exploitation might foster conflicts between green-heads and mining companies or state officials, therefore hindering the nation's economic growth.

This potential course of events need be seen as somewhat paradoxical, especially given the fact that mining operations are supposed to help boost national economy.

As a solution to this problem, WWF argues that no future mining permits should be granted until a thorough investigation is carried out, and that all mining operations in Cameroon’s natural parks also halt until a final agreement is reached.