25 June 2013, Brussels

FROM ACP-FLEGT TO EU FAO FLEGT: SCALING UP EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FOREST GOVERNANCE

Rodrigue NGONZO, ITAC-FODER

FLEGT VPA – Cameroon: Initiative for Transparency and the Fight against Corruption (ITAC)

Background and objectives

Main results and impacts

Lessons learned and recommendations

Next steps

We are working for a more just society, one with no marginalization or discrimination, placing its natural resources at the service of sustainable development.

Background

Ratification of the UNCC (06/02/2006)

Development of the National Strategy against Corruption (SNLCC, 2010)

Validation and implementation of the SNLCC (2011)

Creation of a special court against the misappropriation or embezzlement of funds

“It is vital that we definitively eradicate the scourge of corruption, which is seriously

affecting the development of our country.”

VISION: “By 2015, Cameroon will be a country where integrity represents a capital value for every citizen, with economic growth that is based on well performed work and is distributed equitably in order to ensure social well-being in a conserved environment.”

Objectives of the ITAC

Main objective: To improve forest governance through a participatory approach in the fight against corruption

To encourage the participation of citizens in the fight against corruption (making the anti-corruption fight democratic).

To train stakeholders so that they have the capacities needed to oppose corruption effectively on a daily basis.

To boost stakeholders’ capacity to work together to seek and apply a solution to corruption.

To facilitate constructive, open, participatory dialogue on transparency and the fight against corruption within the framework of implementation of the FLEGT VPA.

To inform and raise the awareness of stakeholders in order to imbue them with new values of integrity, moral principles and honesty.

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Information & awareness-raising

• Design, production and distribution of aids to awareness-raising

• Monitoring of implementation of Annex VII of the FLEGT VPA

Participatory dialogue

• National multi-stakeholder workshop on making Annex VII of the FLEGT VPA operational (web page being designed, collection under way of data to be published)

• Multi-stakeholder workshop on mitigating the risks of corruption (new anti-corruption unit, inclusion of the issue on the 2013 agenda, fresh dynamics)

Training

• Development of an anti-corruption training module

• 80 stakeholders (mostly from the administration) trained in the fight against corruption (start of a process of changed behaviour)

Main results and impacts

Better understanding of what is at stake in corruption

Greater openness of the government to anti-corruption actions

Lessons learned and recommendations

Effectiveness of the fight against corruption depends both on strong political commitment and on good coordination of actions among the various structures involved

The information, awareness-raising, training and support (coaching) of stakeholders are needed in order to restore the values of integrity and honesty in the forest sector

Effective, sustainable action against corruption means acting as a network

A good combination of prevention, education (training) and penalties is needed

Next steps and conclusion

Monitoring and evaluation of implementation of Annex VII of the FLEGT VPA

Continuation of information and awareness-raising activities aimed at stakeholders

Boosting of stakeholders’ capacities to oppose corruption

Development of a web platform for information on and the reporting of acts of corruption

Support to victims or witnesses of acts of corruption when they are reporting these or lodging complaints

Contacts Tel: 00 237 22 00 52 48 P.O.Box 11417 Yaoundé, Cameroon r.ngonzo@forets-developpement.com

THANK YOU!

Initiative for Transparency and the Fight against Corruption (ITAC)