Cameroon Strengthens Gender Mainstreaming in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation
The Government of Cameroon, in partnership with AU-IBAR, is hosting a National Consultative Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Management in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 25th to 27th of February, 2025. This workshop is of strategic importance to enhancing women's and youth participation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management, in line with national and continental development objectives.
This initiative is part of AU-IBAR's Conserving of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the Context of Africa's Blue Economy Project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The project aims to promote the adoption of gender-sensitive policies and practices concerning aquatic biodiversity conservation in African Union Member States (AU-MS).
Minister Highlights Government's Commitment to Gender Equality
The workshop was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Taiga, Minister of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries, who emphasized the critical role of aquatic ecosystems in food security, economic development, and community livelihoods. He highlighted that fisheries and aquaculture are essential pillars of Cameroon’s blue economy, in line with the vision of President Paul Biya.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to gender inclusion, he referenced the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), which prioritizes environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and gender equality. He acknowledged the vital contributions of women and youth across the fisheries and aquaculture value chain and stressed the need for stronger policies and institutional frameworks to enhance their involvement in biodiversity conservation.
The Minister commended AU-IBAR for leading this initiative and emphasized that the workshop would contribute to the development of a comprehensive national strategy for gender-responsive conservation efforts. He expressed optimism that the discussions would generate practical recommendations to guide Cameroon’s policies and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and Africa’s blue economy agenda.
AU-IBAR's Commitment to Gender-Responsive Conservation
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Huyam Salih, AU-IBAR Director, Mr. Philippe Ouedraogo reaffirmed AU-IBAR’s dedication to mainstreaming gender in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. He emphasized that sustainable development in fisheries and aquaculture requires gender-responsive strategies, ensuring that women and youth have equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making processes.
He further highlighted that AU-IBAR’s work under the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project aligns with the African Union’s Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS) and the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES). AU-IBAR remains committed to supporting African countries in implementing gender-inclusive policies and building institutional capacities for effective biodiversity conservation.
Women in Fisheries Network (AWFISHNET) Champions Gender Equity
In her remarks, Madama Beyene, Country and Continental Chairperson of the African Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture Network (AWFISHNET), underscored the crucial role of women in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. She highlighted the challenges women face in accessing markets, finance, training, and leadership roles, calling for stronger policy interventions and targeted capacity-building programs.
She applauded Cameroon’s efforts in advancing gender equality in biodiversity conservation and urged stakeholders to prioritize women’s economic empowerment as a key pillar for sustainable fisheries management. She further called for enhanced collaboration between governments, development partners, and women-led organizations to drive real change.
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Workshop Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The workshop aims to support Cameroon in integrating gender considerations into its national biodiversity conservation strategy. The key expected outcomes include:
• Increased awareness of AU-IBAR’s continental strategy on gender mainstreaming in aquatic biodiversity conservation.
• Identification of national priority issues and actions needed to advance gender inclusion in environmental management.
• Development of mechanisms to strengthen gender-responsive approaches in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
• Formulation of a national strategy that ensures women and youth participation in Cameroon’s aquatic biodiversity conservation efforts.
Stakeholder Engagement and Approach
The workshop has convened representatives from government ministries and agencies responsible for fisheries, aquaculture, gender, environment, and climate change, along with top civil society, academia, and private sector stakeholders.
Facilitating the discussions will be a national consultant and ground facilitator, who will ensure a cross-sectional view of national policies and stakeholder involvement while being in line with continental frameworks like the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS) and the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES).
Towards a More Inclusive and Sustainable Future
This workshop will serve as a reference for gender-inclusive policy reforms in Cameroon regarding biodiversity conservation and environmental management. Strong institutional frameworks and stakeholder collaboration will enable Cameroon to take a leap toward having a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive blue economy.