Local ecological perceptions and informal forest governance: Evidence from sacred forests in Cameroon

Sacred forests are comparatively well-preserved despite recent widespread anthropic threats. Ecological functions play a crucial role in motivating local communities to conserve sacred forests, but few studies have been carried out in this domain. This study assesses local perceptions of the ecological functions of sacred forests in the West and in the Far-North regions of Cameroon. Data collections were carried out through literature review, direct observations, 21 in-depth interviews, and four focus group discussions were conducted with guardians, as well as a questionnaire survey conducted with 130 riparian populations of the sacred forests. In addition to basic content analysis, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. The results showed that the residents interviewed have a mixed understanding of the traditional ecological knowledge of the sacred forests. Most respondents (85.4%) associated six key ecological functions with the sacred forests: local climate regulation; preservation of biodiversity; air purification; regulation of water cycle; habitat for wildlife and preservation of soils. A greater citation percentage was given for functions such as local climate regulation (74.1%); biodiversity preservation (71.7%); air purification (68.6%); and water cycle regulation (65.9%). The perceptions of the ecological functions of sacred forests by the populations were determined by their knowledge of sacred forests and their local realities. Given the fact that the respondents believed the sacred forests were threatened despite awareness of their ecological functions, we recommend the strengthening of intergenerational transmission of traditional ecological knowledge and the on-going awareness-raising of the local population, integrating sacred forests into the national forest conservation policy in order to capitalize on the positive results of informal forest governance and to establish their social legitimacy. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the disarticulation of forest governance practices, particularly in Cameroon and more broadly in Central Africa, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners for sustainable conservation. Further research is needed to address the issue of informal forest governance of sacred forests for better conservation. Sacred forests should be positioned as both cultural and political-ecological institutions.