Loading...
This record has been deleted. Since it is linked to a published record, it is available here for reference purposes only.
Click here to view the deleted recordThis document has been updated. This is not the latest published version. Click here to view the latest version of the record.
Legislative, Administrative or Policy Measure
(MSR)
last updated: 06 Jan 2026
Communication, Education and Public, Awareness Plan on the ABS Law and the Nagoya Protocol
Cameroon has made significant progress in the implementation of ABS, marked by the promulgation of Law No. 2021/014 of July 9, 2021 and its Implementing Decree, which regulate access to genetic resources, their derivatives, associated traditional knowledge, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization (ABS Law).
Within the framework of the project “Support for the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and Research-Development on the Biodiversity Value Chain for Smallholders in the South-West and Far-North Regions of Cameroon”, a Communication, Education and Public Awareness Plan (CEPA Plan) has been developed. This plan provides for a sensitization campaign on the ABS Law, the CBD, the Nagoya Protocol, and their scientific, technological, and socio-economic benefits, targeting researchers, indigenous peoples and local communities, industrial actors, and other relevant stakeholders.
The CEPA Plan is based on a baseline study conducted on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the Nagoya Protocol and the ABS process. This study offered an analysis of the situation, particularly regarding the level of awareness and compliance of targeted stakeholders with the national legal framework on ABS. The KAP analysis, which serves as the foundation of the CEPA Plan, helped to clarify communication challenges, define target groups, identify key messages, strategies and approaches, as well as the most effective communication channels and partners.
In addition to the KAP analysis, secondary sources were also used to fill gaps in cases where the KAP survey could not reach all stakeholders.
National / Federal
Other
(CEPA Plan)
No
EN
Competent National Authority:Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Dr. DINGOM Aurélie Taylor Patience PhD, Animal Physiology/Pharmacology Teacher, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Inspector N°2, ABS National Focal Point, Traditional Knowledge National Focal Point ()Ministerial Building N°2, 20th May Boulevard P.O. Box 320 YaoundeYaounde, Centre
237, CameroonPhone: +237222236037, +237699738842, +237675635537,Fax: +237222236037,Website: https://www.abs-cameroon.cm,
-
ABSCH-MSR-CM-281556-1 Legislative, Administrative or Policy Measure NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2025-2030 ON ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND THE FAIR AND EQUITABLE SHARING OF BENEFITS ARISING FROM THEIR UTILIZATION (ABS)This document presents the second version of Cameroon’s National Strategy and Action Plan on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits (ABS). It builds on the country’s initial ABS Strategy adopted in 2012, which was accompanied by an action plan for 2016–2019. The first strategy aimed to ensure regulated access to genetic resources and equitable benefit-sharing by 2020, thereby improving livelihoods and increasing state revenues. Its implementation led to significant achievements, including the promulgation of the 2021 ABS Law and the adoption of its implementing decree in 2023, establishing a solid legal and regulatory framework for effective governance of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.The new strategy responds to emerging challenges at both national and international levels. Globally, it aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Objective C and Target 13, by addressing digital sequence information (DSI), the establishment of a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism, the creation of the Cali Fund, and the valorization of traditional knowledge. Nationally, it is consistent with Cameroon’s Vision 2030 National Development Strategy (SND30), which serves as the overarching framework for all development actions.The document was developed through a participatory approach, involving broad stakeholder consultations during the evaluation of the previous strategy and throughout the validation process. Its orientations aim to consolidate past achievements, ensure effective implementation of the new ABS legal framework, and strengthen coherence with the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).The scope of the strategy extends to government authorities, local communities, researchers, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. It seeks to enhance governance, promote fair benefit-sharing, and safeguard biodiversity while ensuring that national policies are aligned with global commitments. Ultimately, the strategy provides Cameroon with a comprehensive roadmap to regulate access to genetic resources, protect traditional knowledge, and maximize benefits for both the State and local communities.
-
ABSCH-MSR-CM-256334-2 Legislative, Administrative or Policy Measure LAW N°2021/014 of july 2021 TO GOVERN ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES, THEIR DERIVATIVES, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ASSOCIATED WITH GENETIC RESOURCE AND THEIR FAIR EQUITABLE SHARING OF THE BENEFIT ARISING FROM THEIR UTILIZATIONThis law governs access to genetic resources, their derivatives, associated, traditional knowledge and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their utilization.
The purpose of this law shall be to:- Support the valorization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge to promote their conservation and sustainable use;- Regulate access to genetic resources, their derivatives and/or associated traditional knowledge;- Ensure the involvement of indigenous and local communities in sharing the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge;- Promote and encourage the use of research findings as well as the documentation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge;- Contribute to improving the living conditions of indigenous and local communities;- Improve the contribution of biodiversity to human development and well-being;- Discover and make available genetic information.
The CEPA Plan is aligned with Article 59 of Law No. 2021/014 of July 9, 2021 on ABS, as well as with the orientations of the new ABS Strategy defined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP III, 2025–2030).
In accordance with the law, the environmental administration is mandated to raise public awareness, particularly among indigenous peoples and local communities, on:
- the economic value of ecosystems,
- the sustainable use of biological diversity and genetic resources,
- the rules governing access to genetic resources, their derivatives and/or associated traditional knowledge,
- and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.
Furthermore, the NBSAP III is structured around five strategic axes and twenty‑seven national measures or objectives, six of which are directly related to ABS (Measures 9, 12, 13, 18, 26, and 27).
Measures 9, entitled “Promote, strengthen and enhance research programs, genetic information and traditional knowledge associated with the use of genetic resources”, includes key activities such as:
- raising awareness among stakeholders,
- disseminating and popularizing the ABS legal and regulatory framework,
- with particular attention to women and indigenous populations.
The elements of the measure are not applicable for this measure.
