FROM ACP-FLEGT TO EU FAO FLEGT: SCALING UP EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FOREST GOVERNANCE 25 June 2013, Brussels FLEGT VPA Cameroon: Initiative for Transparency and the Fight against Corruption (ITAC) Rodrigue NGONZO, ITAC-FODER
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 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 wellbeing in a conserved environment. It is vital that we definitively eradicate the scourge of corruption, which is seriously affecting the development of our country.
Specific objectives Objectives of the ITAC Main objective: To improve forest governance through a participatory approach in the fight against corruption To inform and raise the awareness of stakeholders in order to imbue them with new values of integrity, moral principles and honesty. To facilitate constructive, open, participatory dialogue on transparency and the fight against corruption within the framework of implementation of the FLEGT VPA. To train stakeholders so that they have the capacities needed to oppose corruption effectively on a daily basis. To encourage the participation of citizens in the fight against corruption (making the anticorruption fight democratic). To boost stakeholders capacity to work together to seek and apply a solution to corruption.
Main results and impacts 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 anticorruption 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) 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
Initiative for Transparency and the Fight against Corruption (ITAC) THANK YOU! Contacts Tel: 00 237 22 00 52 48 P.O.Box 11417 Yaoundé, Cameroon r.ngonzo@forets-developpement.com