FARM PRACTICE IN FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE REPORT

1  INTRODUCTION

Forestry and Wildlife are two important aspects of the environment that play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and providing a range of benefits, including timber, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. Farm practices in forestry and wildlife play a significant role in shaping the natural environment and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. These practices involve the careful management of land to balance the economic, social, and environmental needs. In this report, we will explore the farm practices in forestry and wildlife, focusing on the various techniques and methods we used to promote sustainable land use and conservation of resources in our nursery.

The report will also talk about the collaborative approach put in place by the Mount Cameroon National Park in order to include the communities at the peripheries of the park (who principally rely on agriculture for their livelihood) in the management of the park; the impact of these practices on the natural environment, the challenges faced by farmers in implementing sustainable practices, and the potential for future improvements in farm practices in forestry and wildlife.

1.1   Overview and Definition of terms

For the purpose of this report and following the implementation of Law No. 94-1 of 20 January 1994 to lay down forestry, wildlife and fisheries regulations in Cameroon, the following definitions shall be applicable:

Farm practice in forestry: refers to the application of agricultural principles and techniques to forest management, with the aim of improving the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of forest resources. Farm practices in forestry involve a range of activities, including planting, thinning, pruning, fertilizing, harvesting, and marketing of forest products. The goal of farm practice is to optimize the growth and yield of trees, while maintaining the ecological and social values of the forest ecosystem.

Farm practice in forestry is based on the recognition that forests are renewable resources that can be managed for multiple benefits, such as timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and recreation. By applying farm practices, forest managers can enhance the growth and quality of trees, reduce competition and stress, and increase the resistance and resilience of forests to natural disturbances and climate change.

Farm practices in forestry can vary depending on the type of forest, the site conditions, the ownership and management objectives, and the local regulations and policies. Some common farm practices in forestry include:

• Planting: Selecting and planting tree species that are suitable for the site conditions, and spacing them appropriately to optimize growth and yield.

• Thinning: Removing some of the trees to reduce competition and improve the quality and growth of the remaining trees.

• Pruning: Pruning is a horticultural practice of selectively removing parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots.

• Fertilizing: Applying fertilizers to the soil or foliage of trees to enhance their growth and nutrient uptake.

• Harvesting: Selectively cutting trees for timber or other forest products, using methods that minimize damage to the remaining trees and the forest floor.

• Marketing: Selling the forest products to the local or global markets, and obtaining the best price and value for the products.

By applying farm practices in forestry, forest managers can achieve sustainable and profitable forest management, while ensuring the conservation and enhancement of the forest ecosystem.

Farm practice in wildlife: Farm practice in wildlife refers to the methods and techniques used by farmers to manage their land in a way that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife species.

Wildlife farming practices may include activities such as habitat management, predator control, and monitoring of animal populations. These practices are carried out with the aim of promoting the conservation of wildlife species, while also ensuring that they do not negatively impact the productivity of the farm.

Habitat management practices may include activities such as creating and maintaining wildlife corridors, wetland restoration, and planting of native vegetation to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Predator control practices may include activities such as fencing, trapping, and hunting to prevent damage to crops and livestock. Monitoring of animal populations may include activities such as tracking, surveying, and recording data on population trends and distribution.

Overall, farm practices in wildlife aim to balance the economic, social, and environmental needs of the farm, while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife species.

Nursery: This is a place where plants are grown and nurtured before they are planted in their permanent location

Management plan: a technical document drawn up by the service in charge of wildlife, or by any natural person or corporate body commissioned by the service, for the purpose of planning in space and time all strategies to be implemented for the sustainable use of one or several given wildlife resources.

Herbarium: A herbarium is collection of preserved plant specimens that have been stored appropriately, databased and arranged systematically to ensure quick access to students, researchers and the general public for scientific research and education.

2  DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES