U.S. Government donates equipment to improve anti-poaching program of Campo Ma’an National Park.

Yaounde April 6, 2009

On Monday April 6, 2009 the Ambassador of the United States of America, Janet E. Garvey, presented to the Ministry of Forests and Fauna (MINFOF) equipment intended to increase Cameroon’s conservation efforts in the Campo Ma’an National Park and its surrounding buffer zones.   The presentation occurred at the park’s headquarters in Campo.  The Government of the United States donated to the Government of Cameroon 8 Yamaha AG100 all terrain motorcycles and numerous VHF radio sets valued at $45,000.  The equipment donation is intended to improve the park’s anti-poaching program by increasing the mobility of patrols and by improving the ability of patrols to communicate with each other and with the rest of the park staff. 

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity, the United States Government is committed to helping Cameroon preserve its natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.  Conservation of flora, fauna and other natural resources positively impacts the current general economic wellbeing and food security of the population, permits sustainable economic development in the future, helps to preserve local culture, and allows future generations to enjoy the natural heritage of Cameroon.

The U.S. Embassy worked with the WWF (World Wildlife Federation) and the Park’s Conservator to identify transportation and communications as the most pressing needs of the anti-poaching program in Campo Ma’an National Park.  The equipment was purchased as part of $750,000 spent by the U.S. Department of Defense to promote biodiversity in Cameroon.  Korup National Park and Mefou National Park have previously received donations from the U.S. Embassy for biodiversity projects.

For more information, please contact the United States Embassy in Yaounde, Press section Tel 22 20 15 00, ext. 4162 or 4273.