Managing Common Properties in Cameroon's International Coastal Area: Patterns of Coexistence between Local Communities and the Beninese and Nigerian Fishermen

Abstract

Coastal resources fulfill important economic and cultural functions for populations. This article focuses on the ecological challenges related to the exploitation of fishery resources by fishermen of Cameroon, Benin and Nigeria in the southern coastal region of Cameroon. In such an international socio-cultural microcosm where community actors from those three countries coexist, the strong anthropogenic pressure on ecological resources generates many challenges, notably compliance with regulations and conflicts in fish and fauna exploitation. At the same time, collaboration in the context of natural resources exploitation allows an exchange of experience and expertise. There also are demographic pressure, lowscale urbanization, unemployment, pollution, and loss of natural resources within communities. This article examines the interactions between different stakeholders involved in resource exploitation as well as the collaboration and the conflicting situations arising in this context. It also traces the different rules of laws governing access to forest, wildlife and fisheries resources in Cameroon.