Chapters authored
Indigenous Knowledge and Participative Cultural Heritage Mapping in the Ebo Forest in Cameroon
The populations in the EBO forest in Cameroon, mainly the Banen tribe with 4 clans in about 47 villages, had to leave their homes and communities behind in the years 1960s because of post-independence war. The identification and mapping of their cultural heritage is today a step to advocate for the government to facilitate their return in their customary land. Participatory mapping techniques use with their consent, of their cultural heritage, was done to understand their customary land in which they participated in the data collection and validation. The results show that the resettlement efforts, of the Banen people, often claimed since the 1970s is to prioritize immediate needs to return to their ancestral land. The Cameroon government, who had earlier proposed the area for conservation because of its biodiversity richness, has not seen the need to reinstall these people in an area of intact forest. These communities, through participatory mapping, have addressed the loss of their cultural heritage and need for careful planning and coordination. Since cultural heritage plays a vital role in defining the identity of displaced “Banen” communities, they look disconnected. It is crucial for the government to recognize and respect their cultural identity to ensure that their heritage is preserved.
Part of the book: Indigenous People - Traditional Practices and Modern Development