Indigenous knowledge systems and biodiversity conservation on Mount Cameroon

ABSTRACT Indigenous People have always provided meanings to natural ecosystems, but knowledge on local environments and their management has been eroded. This study analyses indigenous knowledge systems practiced by the native people of Mount Cameroon and explores their role in biodiversity protection and local livelihoods. To achieve this objective, empirical data were collected from four villages in the study area by conducting focus group discussions, key informant interviews and participant observation. This paper reveals that the forests around Mount Cameroon are essential to the economic and socio-cultural lives of the indigenous population. Furthermore, local institutions play an important role in forest management, and sacred sites, libations, totems, taboos and traditional ceremonies are means through which Indigenous People contribute to biodiversity conservation. Also, conventional forest management regimes such as the village forest management committees have created a new elite class, tensions and conflicts, disregard and weakening of customary laws and institutions. This study augments knowledge on the interrelations between local livelihoods, natural resources and indigenous environmental management systems by depicting how the current loss of biodiversity is perceived to be related to the weakening and erosion of local knowledge.