Cameroon revises timber species classification for sustainable forest management
After the recent working session of the Council of Ministers of the Central African Economic Union (UEAC) held on 23 February 2024 in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), Cameroon's Minister for Forestry and Wildlife, Mr. Jules Doret Ndongo, signed a Ministerial Order on 4 April 2024 amending the classification of timber species in Cameroon. This was in implementation of instructions from the Prime Minister and aims to promote timber processing with a view to boost performance in the sub-sector.
The Government of Cameroon plans to progressively reduce the number of promotional species and at the same time broaden the list of prohibited species in order to mitigate the negative impact of revenue losses resulting from these bans and to take advantage of the economic and financial benefits of local wood processing.
The new classification of species is as follows:
- Species banned from export in log form (76 species);
- Promotional species authorised for export in log form (28 species), 15 species in Category 1 and 13 species in Category 2.
The exportation of promotional species in Category 1, Adobe/Bongossi, is however subject to quotas fixed by the Minister of Forestry. This new policy aims to ensure the sustainable management of forest resources while promoting the economic development of the local wood sector. Cameroon is thus moving towards a more responsible exploitation of its natural resources, with due consideration for both the environment and future generations.
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1. Species banned from export in log form |
Abale/Abing/Essia ; Red Abam ; Abura/Bahia ; Big-leaf mahogany ; White mahogany ; Bassam/Ngollon mahogany ; Agba/Tola ; Aiele/Abel ; Ako/Aloa ; Alep ; Alumbi ; Amvout/Ekong ; Andok Ngoe ; Angueuk ; Aningre A ; Aningre R ; Asila Koufani/Kioro ; Asila Omang ; Assamela/Afromosia ; Avodire ; Ayous/Obeche ; Bete/Mansonia ; Bodioa ; Bongo H/Olon ; Bright Bosse; Dark Bosse; Pink Bubinga; Red Bubinga ; Cordia/Ebe/Mukumari ; Dambala ; Diana/Celtis/Odou ; Dibetou/Bibolo ; Difou ; White Doussie/Pachyloba ; Red doussie/Pipendensis ; Ekaba/Ekop Ribi ; Ekoume ; Emien ; Esseng/LO ; Essak/Alow Kouaka ; Essessang ; Esson/Ekop A ; Etimoe ; Eveus PF ; Faro ; Framire ; Fromager/Ceiba ; Ilomba ; Iroko ; Kanda ; Kapokier/Bombax/Esodium ; Kumbi/Ekoa ; Lati Parallele ; Longhi/Abam ; Makore/Douka; Mambode/Amouk; Moabi; Movingui; Mukulungu; Okoume; Osanga/Sikong; Ouochi/Albizia/Angoyeme; Ovengkol/Bubinga E; Ovoga/Angale; White Padouk; Red Padouk; Pao rosa; Sapelli; Sipo; Teck; Tiama; Tsanya/Akele; Vessambata; Wamba; Wengue; Zingana/Amuk. |
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2. Promotional species authorised for export in log form |
Awoura/Ekop Beli; Azobe/Bongossi; Bilinga; Eyong; Frake Limba; Gombe/Ekop Ngombe; Kossipo/Kosipo; Kotibe; Koto; Naga/Ekop Naga; Niove; Okan/Adoum; Onzabili/Angongui; Ozigo; Tali. |
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Brown Andoung; Pink Andoung/Ekop Mayo; Dabema/Atui; Ebiara Edea; Ebiara Yaounde/Abem; Ekop G H; Ekop Ngombe G F; Eveuss/Ngon; Eyek; Eyoum blanc; Iatandza/Evouvous; Kondroti/Ovounga; Landa; Lati/Edjil; Limbali; Lotofa/Nkanang; Miama; Moambe. |
Table: Classification of timber species in Cameroon
Source: Order No.0016/MINFOF of 4 April 2024 amending the classification of timber species in Cameroon.