How participatory mapping and community impact assessment helped translate Jébalè II priorities into 54 million FCFA of conservation and livelihood investments.
Jébalè II, in Cameroon’s Wouri Estuary, demonstrates how impact assessment can connect local knowledge, spatial planning, biodiversity conservation, and investment. Watershed Task Group (WTG), working with the Jébalè II community and Douala IV Municipality, used impact assessment and participatory mapping to identify ecological assets, livelihood opportunities, restoration priorities, and sustainable development potential.
Participatory mapping became more than a data-collection exercise. It provided spatial evidence through which community priorities could be discussed, validated, and translated into project concepts and institutional action. This process contributed to investment for three interventions: 30 million FCFA for an eco-sanctuary supporting biodiversity conservation and ecotourism; 10 million FCFA for a 6-hectare eco-friendly agricultural initiative centred on Jébalè II’s white and black pepper production, using compost from water hyacinth; and 14 million FCFA for mangrove restoration (FEICOM-funded initiatives) implemented with Douala IV Municipality.
Together, these commitments represent 54 million FCFA for interconnected conservation and community-development priorities. The emerging model links ecological restoration with food security, income generation, circular resource use and ecotourism.
The poster traces the pathway from participation and mapping to priority setting, institutional collaboration, resource mobilization, and implementation, highlighting lessons and limitations in moving from consultation towards community-informed investment.
Achiri Emmanuel is WTG’s Sustainability and Fundraising Officer, working on community-centred conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable development in Cameroon.