Using Economic Incentives and Contractual Mechanisms to Promote Wetland Conservation on Private Land in Cameroon

Abstract

This paper examines the use of economic incentives and contractual agreements in the promotion of conservation of wetland ecosystems on private land in the Republic of Cameroon. It therefore discusses the types and use of economic incentives and the types of contractual agreement mechanisms, to promote wetland conservation on private land as well as the problems impinging their effective implementation. The paper argues that though there exist economic incentives and contractual agreement mechanisms for the conservation of wetland ecosystems on private lands, yet, wetlands are still not effectively protected in Cameroon. This article, therefore, questions why economic incentives and contractual agreements are not adequately used for the conservation of wetland ecosystems on private land in Cameroon? The research rests essentially on the analysis of primary and secondary data, as such, the empirical and intensive desk research techniques were used to collect relevant information. It concludes that using contractual agreement methods as a single tract strategy for wetland conservation in Cameroon can present real difficulties for bridge-building with private sector, communities and individuals. The article recommends that the state should encourage the use of economic incentives to promote wetland conservation on private land as well as take a lot of precautions against perverse economic incentives that may instead contribute to the degradation and loss of wetland ecosystems in the country.