The geodiversity of Lefo and Santa-Mbu Calderas (Bamenda Mountains, Cameroon Volcanic Line): Factor for socioeconomic activities

Abstract

Lefo and Santa-Mbu calderas are located on the Bamenda Mountains. They are two geological structures that accompanied the construction of the Bamenda Mountains. The geological processes that accompanied their collapse gave them a significant number of geological features. These elements, known as geodiversity components, constitute real assets for ecosystem services in these more or less populated volcanic environments. The present work aims to highlight the ecosystem services of these two calderas in relation to the socio-economic activities they govern. To this end, field and laboratory work was carried out. They revealed that the ecosystem services of the two calderas include: (1) regulation services because the calderas are covered in places by forest reserves, notably that of Bali Ngemba and Bafut Ngemba, and by a grassland with trees that play a crucial role in climate regulation. In addition, these areas are subject to natural hazards such as mass movements and volcanic eruptions; (2) supporting services as they provide a base for human activities, a habitat for wildlife species; (3) provisioning services because the calderas have fairly fertile soils that favour a fairly diversified agricultural activity, making the floor of the Lefo caldera a coffee growing area. These calderas are covered by a herbaceous grassland that favours pastoral activity in the region. In addition, the rocks of these calderas are used in construction, especially in the foundations and walls of houses; (4) cultural services as they provide a setting for traditional ritual practices and plants with therapeutic properties. In addition, it has several geomorphosites whose scientific and additional values favour the implementation of geotourism and offer geological features that are indispensable for the understanding and functioning of the Volcanic Line of Cameroon. These calderas are undeniable assets for the balance of the ecosystem.