In an attempt to reinforce conservation efforts and reduce conflicts between stakeholders, the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife has signed a new code of ethics for its staff especially eco-guards. This document which is a milestone initiative, strives to streamline the activities of eco-guards across Protected Areas in the country as well guarantee uniformity, competence and adherence to ethical standards bearing in mind that their profession is a para-military corps.
This was during a ceremony at the Yaoundé Hilton hotel, presided at by Minister Jules Doret Ndongo, flanked by his colleague of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie Therese Abena, Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Justice, Jean de Dieu Momo, the outgoing National Director of WWF, Mme Clotilde Ngomba and others.
In his speech, Minister Jules Doret Ndongo reiterated the key role eco-guards play in exercising their missions which find themselves on the front line of conservation efforts, which consequently exposes them to all manner of difficulties even death. Between 2022 and 2023, 31 eco-guards lost their lives either to poachers or to wildlife.
Notwithstanding, they are responsible for raising awareness among local communities, monitoring and carrying out anti-poaching control actions.
In an earlier presentation, the head of the Legal Affairs Unit of Minfof, Elias Georges Messina gave a summary of the code which he said is structured around principles, each of which contains a set of fundamental standards of conduct. It addresses key areas such as ethical conduct, respect for human rights, participative management and the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples. It emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and professional integrity during patrols, surveillance and law enforcement activities.
© 2021 MINFOF. All rights reserved| Designed by CI MINFOF
French
English