Sustainable Transportation Planning in Ecologically Sensitive Areas: Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of the Bangem–Nguti Road Project.

Transportation infrastructure development is a key driver of economic growth and social integration, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions. However, in ecologically sensitive areas, such as the Kupe Muanenguba Division in Cameroon, infrastructure projects like the Bangem–Nguti road pose significant environmental and social challenges. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts associated with the Bangem–Nguti road project, integrating findings from Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), communal development plans, and comparative analyses of similar projects worldwide. The paper highlights the trade-offs between socio-economic benefits and ecological risks, discusses mitigation strategies, and offers recommendations for sustainable transportation planning in biodiversity-rich landscapes.