In response to a surge in registrations deemed irregular within Cameroon's forest reserves, the government is intensifying its oversight efforts. The Minister of Domains, Cadastre and Land Affairs, Henri Eyebe Ayissi, sent a correspondence to the prefects on February 12, 2026, instructing them to strengthen administrative coordination in the processing of land registration files.
This ministerial directive comes amid growing concerns regarding the protection of the national forest heritage. According to Minister Eyebe Ayissi, forest reserves, initially intended for conservation and sustainable resource management, are subject to irregular land registration procedures, thereby threatening the preservation efforts of these protected areas.
The minister is relying on a communication from the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife to request the territorial administrative authorities to systematically invite the competent officials from that ministry to the work of the consultative registration commission. This participation is required for both concession procedures and direct registrations of dependencies of the national domain.
According to Henri Eyebe Ayissi, this measure aims to ensure that environmental issues are better taken into account when examining land files, pending a possible evolution of the texts governing the statutory composition of said commission. The Minister insists on strict compliance with this directive, considering it a key element in honoring the State's commitments to the conservation of forest reserves and ensuring compliance with current regulations.
This government action underscores the importance given to the protection of Cameroon's forest resources in the face of land pressures, a crucial issue for the country's sustainable development. Henri Eyebe Ayissi, born in 1955, has held the post of Minister of Domains, Cadastre and Land Affairs since 2019.
