1Incentives for Reducing Carbon Emission From Illegal Logging in Cameroon Partnership for the Tropical Forest

Despite the prolonged existence of illegal logging in developing countries, minimal research has hitherto been undertaken to identify the various types of incentives that could be used to quash these practices. Moreso, little has been done to explore the feasibility of REDD+ mechanisms in reducing these practices. In this policy brief, we profile the case of Cameroon where clandestine logging activities are widespread especially in the rural areas. We present and reflect on (a) the principal actors and factors causing illegal logging in Cameroon, as well as carbon estimates emitted from illegal logging in the country (b) initiatives that have been formulated to tackle this problem globally, as well as in Cameroon, and (c) the right mix of incentives for addressing this issue. Illegal logging (especially for domestic market) remains a major issue affecting sustainable forest management in Cameroon Between 1999-2007, the total amount of carbon emitted from illegally logged wood in Cameroon is estimated at 435000 Mt, 42 % of which is from postharvest slash Cameroon has been part of international initiative