Legal Examination of Benefit Sharing and Livelihood Improvement in Protected Area Managements: The Case of the Bakossi National Park

This study examines the interplay between benefit sharing and livelihood improvement within the Bakossi National Park (BNP) within the legal perspective. Traditionally, conservation efforts often placed local communities at odds with protected areas. However, through a doctrinal methodology, this research argues that a well-designed benefit-sharing program can foster collaboration and improve the lives of local communities. By analyzing the BNP as a case study, the research explores how initiatives like revenue sharing from timber exploitation, tourism, employment opportunities within the park, and community driven projects can generate income and empower local communities. The effectiveness of these programs hinges on understanding the specific needs of the communities and ensuring their equitable participation in decision-making processes. Ultimately, this study contends that successful benefit sharing in PAs management, like the BNP, can create a win-win situation, where biodiversity is preserved, and local communities thrive. The work concludes with robust recommendations that if complied with and enforced, it would go a long way to improve on the livelihood of local communities in the Bakossi National Park of Cameroon.