Climate Plan and Local Development in the Coastal City of Kribi, Cameroon

Introduction

The city of Kribi, located on Cameroon’s Atlantic coast, is renowned for its tourist attractions such as the Lobé waterfalls and its developed beaches. It is also a major economic hub thanks to the Kribi Autonomous Port, inaugurated in 2014, which facilitates international trade and stimulates regional development. However, the city of Kribi faces major environmental challenges, notably coastal erosion and flooding, accentuated by climate change. These phenomena threaten infrastructure, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of local populations.

To meet these challenges, the Commune d’Arrondissement de Kribi 1er has drawn up an Action Plan for Access to Sustainable Energy and Climate, aimed at strengthening the town’s resilience to climate impacts. This plan, comprising 30 operational actions, is part of a sustainable development and energy transition approach, in line with Cameroon’s international climate commitments. This article explores the integration of the climate plan into Kribi’s local development, analyzing the actions undertaken, the challenges encountered, and the prospects for the city’s harmonious, sustainable growth.

1. Climate-related Issues and Local Development in Kribi

1.1. Specific Climate-related Issues

The construction of the deepwater port of Kribi, galloping urbanization and the expansion of agro-industrial infrastructures (SOCAPALM, HEVECAM) are creating strong environmental pressure. Key issues include coastal erosion, flooding, deforestation, and marine pollution from the port and industrial activities (Fendoung et al, 2018).

The area is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, endangering natural habitats and local communities (Marin et al., 2020). Industrial projects, while important for the economy, aggravate social tensions, as shown by the incomplete relocation of villages close to the port (Ntyam, & Simard, 2024). In addition, local fishermen feel the negative effects on their livelihoods due to pollution and loss of access to traditional fishing grounds.

1.2. Socio-economic Challenges

The development of the deepwater port has transformed the city of Kribi into an economic hub, attracting significant investment. However, this rapid growth has also created inequalities. Local communities, particularly fishermen, are suffering economic losses due to marine pollution and reduced fish stocks, accentuated by the port’s industrial activities (Mbia, 2023). These impacts underline the need to modernize equipment for fishermen and improve environmental management.

In addition, rapid urbanization and the tripling of the population in less than 20 years have led to increased pressure on urban infrastructure and public services, such as access to water, education, and healthcare (Mbevo Fendoung et al, 2018). Port-related relocation programs have often lacked consultation with affected populations, leaving lasting social and cultural impacts (Ibid). These challenges require a balanced approach between economic development and social inclusion.

2. Existing Local Policies and Initiatives

2.1. Communal Development Plans

The PCD aims to “Make the KRIBI 1er Communal area an autonomous, emerging and viable pole by 2024, a prosperous seaside town open to the creation and redistribution of wealth, in a context of living together”. This plan includes the Commune’s projects and defines a common frame of reference for the development of departmental action plans and communal budgets. It is a dashboard that serves as a key for reading, analyzing, and assessing the commitment of stakeholders – in the tri-articulation of civil society, public authorities, and commercial sector companies – to actions in support of sustainable development.

These include the establishment of a municipal forest nursery, reforestation along the commune’s roads, the installation of garbage bins in schools and the city’s districts and services, the construction of a community compost pit in each village of the commune, support in training local people in composting techniques, the extension of the low-voltage electricity network over a 35 km stretch, the construction of wastewater treatment plants in the city of Kribi, and so on.

2.2. National and International Initiatives

The Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) is an initiative launched by the European Union (EU) in 2015. It aims to support local authorities in sub-Saharan Africa in their efforts to combat climate change and access clean energy. CoMSSA is the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM). CoM SSA is implemented through a partnership between global and local city networks and initiatives funded by the European Commission (EC). At the same time, CoM SSA helps strengthen the Africa-EU partnership and supports the African Union Commission’s Agenda 2063. CoMSSA is a bottom-up, voluntary initiative that encourages cities to define, set, and achieve ambitious and realistic energy access and climate targets that are as ambitious as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in line with the Paris Agreement and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and with the urban sustainability set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (GCoM, 2018)

3. Climate Adaptation Stratégies

3.1. Strengthening Local Governance and Resilient Infrastructures

The city of Kribi, Cameroon, is strengthening its local governance and developing resilient infrastructures to meet environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Local governance

Since 2007, the commune of Kribi has been run by an elected mayor, which encourages a participatory approach to the management of local affairs. The implementation of the Plan d’Action pour l’Accès à l’Énergie Durable et le Climat (PAAEDC), launched in 2023, illustrates this commitment. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and strengthen community resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.

Resilient infrastructure

The Kribi deepwater port, inaugurated in 2018, is a key example of strategic infrastructure that stimulates economic development while integrating sustainability measures. This project has been accompanied by a relocation program for affected villages, although the latter has encountered significant challenges.

In addition, initiatives such as the promotion of green spaces and the regulation of land acquisitions are being implemented to protect local ecosystems. These combined efforts aim to establish a sustainable city that meets the needs of its citizens while respecting environmental issues.

3.2. Protecting Natural Ecosystems and Managing Climate Risks

The commune of Kribi, Cameroon, has implemented a climate change adaptation strategy through its Action Plan for Access to Sustainable Energy and Climate (PAAEDC), launched in April 2023. The plan responds to growing environmental challenges, including coastal erosion and flooding, exacerbated by extreme weather events such as rising sea levels.

The PAAEDC includes 30 priority actions focusing on waste management, protection of coastal ecosystems, and access to renewable energy sources. Key objectives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving universal access to electricity. Studies have also highlighted the need for an integrated approach to managing climate risks, including land regulation and the promotion of green spaces.

At the same time, local researchers such as CEPI are analyzing the impacts of climate change on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to a better understanding of Kribi’s specific environmental challenges. These initiatives aim not only to strengthen the city’s resilience in the face of climate challenges but also to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Recommendations

Improve urban planning

• The creation of green buffer zones is essential in a booming city like Kribi. This not only reduces pollution but also creates spaces for biodiversity in the heart of the city.
• Strictly enforce urban planning and construction standards to avoid informal settlements vulnerable to climate risks.

Sustainable management of natural resources

• Strengthen reforestation and protect wetlands to mitigate the risks of flooding and loss of biodiversity.
• Promote agroforestry and resilient farming practices in agro-industrial zones to limit the environmental impacts of massive plantations.

Strengthen climate resilience

• Implement an integrated coastal management system to combat coastal erosion, including natural protections such as mangroves.
• Develop climate-resilient infrastructure, taking into account the risks of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Encourage community participation

• Involve local communities, particularly the Bagyeli and other indigenous groups, in decision-making to ensure that their needs are taken into account.
• Raise awareness of the importance of sustainable natural resource management and climate adaptation.

Mobilizing partnerships and funding

• Strengthen partnership with ICLEI to unlock funding, raise awareness, and train local actors to build climate resilience.
• Seek funding for sustainable city projects, focusing on the integration of green technologies and energy sustainability.

Implement effective local governance

Establish a local climate unit to oversee climate-related initiatives, ensuring coordination between the public, private, and community sectors. It could play a mediating role between the various stakeholders and ensure that climate objectives are integrated into all development projects.

Conclusion

Despite its economic and tourism assets, the city of Kribi faces major environmental and socio-economic challenges linked to the impacts of climate change. Coastal erosion, flooding, and marine pollution threaten local ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities, particularly fishermen. At the same time, rapid urbanization and industrial projects, while stimulating the economy, exacerbate social and environmental inequalities.

The Commune of Kribi, aware of these challenges, has taken important steps through the Plan d’Action pour l’Accès à l’Energie Durable et le Climat (PAAEDC), aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience to climate impacts. The actions proposed, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting coastal ecosystems, and improving resilient infrastructures, are essential for the city’s future. It is crucial to strengthen local governance, promote better management of natural resources, and ensure social inclusion in development projects.

Reference List

1. Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy. (2018). Global Covenant of Mayors Common Reporting Framework, na : Global Covenant of Mayors.

2. Fendoung, M. P., Voundi, E. & Tsopbeng, C. (2018). Dynamique paysagère du littoral kribien face aux pressions de l’agro industrielle et de l’urbanisation. VertigO, 18(3), Erudit. https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/vertigo/2018-v18-n3-vertigo04929/1065309ar.pdf

3. Ntyam, C. L. & Simard, M. (2024). Les impacts sociaux liés à l’aménagement du port de Kribi au Cameroun. L’exemple du programme de relocalisation de villages. Canadian Journal of Regional Science / Revue canadienne des sciences régionales, 47(1), 5–13. https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/cjrs/2024-v47-n1-cjrs09327/1111340ar.pdf

4. Mbia J.P. (2023). Cameroun : pourquoi l’activité de pêche ralentit et le poisson se fait rare à Kribi. https://afrique.le360.ma/economie/cameroun-pourquoi-lactivite-de-peche-ralentit-et-le-poison-se-fait-rare-a-kribi_QRL7HUQPBRHWVKGMCMR6FFI2PI/

5. FENDOUNG, M., TCHINDJANG, M. & TCHINCHUI, H. C. (2017). Apport des technologies spatiales dans l’appréhension des bouleversements environnementaux dus aux changements climatiques dans la ville de Kribi : pour une caractérisation et une stratégie d’adaptation durable. https://orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/238116/1/Pr%C3%A9sentation_Mbevo_revu.pdf

6. COMSA. (2023). Kribi 1 takes a step towards becoming a sustainable and clean energy city. https://comssa.org/fr/news/kribi-1-takes-a-step-towards-becoming-a-sustainable-and-clean-energy-city

7. Ministère de l’environnement, de la protection de la nature et du développement durable. (2015). Plan National d’Adaptation aux Changements Climatiques du Cameroun. https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/NAP_Cameroon_2015.pdf

8. Mbia, J-P. (2023). Cameroun: pourquoi l’activité de pêche ralentit et le poisson se fait rare à Kribi, Afrique, https://afrique.le360.ma/economie/cameroun-pourquoi-lactivite-de-peche-ralentit-et-le-poison-se-fait-rare-a-kribi_QRL7HUQPBRHWVKGMCMR6FFI2PI/

AUTHORS

Dr. Hervé Wouapi
Research fellow
&
M. Haiwang Djamo Ferdinang
Research Analyst
&
M. Henri Kouam
Founder & Executive Director

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