Une étude de base réalisée dans le cadre du programme AREECA au Cameroun a mis en évidence une grave dégradation des terres dans les zones situées au-dessus de 1 800 m. Les forêts montagnardes, réduites de 16 155 ha à 1 822 ha, ont été remplacées par des cultures vivrières, qui ont connu une expansion rapide (de 2 078 ha à 5 573 ha). Ces changements ont fragilisé les écosystèmes locaux et accru les pressions sur les ressources naturelles. 

L’approche pour ’élaboration des CL a émergé comme une solution pour établir un cadre collaboratif entre les parties prenantes et gérer durablement les ressources au niveau le plus proche à la ressource (subsidiarité). Ce processus repose sur des prérequis clés : une dégradation avérée des ressources, la reconnaissance de l’autorité traditionnelle, une zone cible limitée et un engagement volontaire des acteurs

L’objectif est d’identifier les problématiques principales (ex. : restauration forêt sacrée ou d’un cours d’eau), d’impliquer les parties dans des discussions pour établir des règles de gestion partagées et de définir un cadre formel de collaboration. Les résultats attendus incluent la meilleure compréhension des défis, la priorisation des zones à restaurer et cadrer les solutions pour réduire menaces identifiées. Sur cette base les CL seront proposés des usagers et riverains directes. 

The Ngao Model Forest community places biodiversity conservation at the core of their efforts, raising awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring habitats to maintain ecological balance and support wildlife. Bamboo plantations play a crucial role by supporting the growth of mushrooms, insects, and worms, which provide additional food sources and income opportunities. This approach enhances food security and nutrition for the community. Protecting and restoring habitats ensures the survival of various plant and animal species, maintaining ecological balance. The fast growth and versatility of bamboo offer more economic opportunities for locals, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. By integrating sustainable practices with economic development, the community ensures a better future for both people and nature.

The Ngao Model Forest community established a credit system where individuals earn credits for their contributions, such as labor or providing equipment, fostering cooperation and mutual support. This innovative system ensures equitable sharing of resources and efforts. The community transitioned to bamboo plantations, which offer new income streams and economic stability due to bamboo's fast growth and versatility. Bamboo forests also support the growth of mushrooms, insects, and worms, providing additional food sources and income opportunities. The presence of wildlife, such as snakes, rabbits, birds, squirrels, tree shrews, wild chickens, and wild boars, further contributes to the local economy. Strong community relationships and collaborative efforts have been key to the success of these initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and addressing the needs of the community.

The Ngao Model Forest community established a credit system where individuals earn credits for their contributions, such as labor or providing equipment, fostering cooperation and mutual support. This innovative system ensures equitable sharing of resources and efforts. The community transitioned to bamboo plantations, which offer new income streams and economic stability due to bamboo's fast growth and versatility. Bamboo forests also support the growth of mushrooms, insects, and worms, providing additional food sources and income opportunities. The presence of wildlife, such as snakes, rabbits, birds, squirrels, tree shrews, wild chickens, and wild boars, further contributes to the local economy. Strong community relationships and collaborative efforts have been key to the success of these initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and addressing the needs of the community.

To strengthen mangrove protection and community-based monitoring, twelve community scouts were selected and trained from within the Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA). Equipped with uniforms, patrol skills, communication tools, and basic enforcement knowledge, the scouts actively support restoration, surveillance, and awareness-raising across the 2,550-hectare mangrove area. Scouts conduct regular patrols, detect illegal activities, sensitize local communities about forest conservation, and collaborate with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials for enforcement actions. Their work enhances ground-level presence and helps bridge the gap between formal forest authorities and the community.

MTAKIMAU CFA members, supported by WWF-Kenya and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), took the lead in restoring degraded areas across the 2,550-hectare Mtwapa-Takaungu-Kilifi mangrove landscape. They established a model mangrove nursery in Nzombere Village and received hands-on training in propagating indigenous species, nursery management, and enrichment planting. Using insights from PFMP mapping, they prioritized degraded patches for restoration. In June 2024, the community planted 21,786 seedlings—WWF-Kenya purchased 13,786 while the CFA contributed 8,000. The nursery, now producing over 10,000 seedlings, serves as both a restoration hub and a sustainable income source through seedling sales to restoration partners. Ongoing monthly monitoring ensures nursery health and supports long-term forest regeneration.

The MTAKIMAU Mangrove Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) 2024–2028 guides the sustainable management of approximately 2,550 hectares of mangrove forest across Mtwapa, Takaungu, and Kilifi. Developed under Section 47(1) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016), the plan resulted from a highly participatory process led by the Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA), in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), WWF-Kenya, and other local stakeholders.

The process began with community barazas that restructured and registered the CFA. Stakeholders then formed and trained a Local Planning Review Team (LPRT), which conducted forest assessments, household surveys, participatory mapping, and community dialogues. Together, they designed the PFMP to define sustainable forest use practices, identify conservation priorities, and establish equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. The plan reflects community aspirations, ensures ecological integrity, and builds climate resilience. KFS and the CFA formalized their partnership by signing a legally binding Forest Management Agreement (FMA) based on this plan.

The Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA) was revitalized through restructuring and targeted governance capacity building. Transitioning from loosely organized village-based groups to formal individual membership improved accountability, transparency, and inclusive participation. Sixty grassroots leaders were trained on leadership, resource mobilization, conflict management, and forest legislation. Democratic elections established both a management and executive committee. Additionally, sessions on Environmental and Social Safeguards and grievance mechanisms were delivered, enhancing the CFA’s capacity to manage mangrove resources sustainably. This transformation fostered local ownership and positioned the CFA as a credible, community-led institution supporting long-term mangrove restoration and conservation in Kilifi County.

The project has identified some key forest-friendly activities, specifically, beekeeping and agroforestry, which are acceptable to the communities. This provides an avenue for replication in other communities and up-scaling throughout the landscape to provide substantial and sustainable livelihood for communities, while ensuring that the forest is preserved.