Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
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The Project of Independent Observation in Support of Forest Law Enforcement in Cameroon was implemented by Global Witness between 2000 and 2005, under a series of Contracts and Terms of Reference. These pages provide a historical record of our 123 Field Mission Reports and three Summary Reports. The structure of the next phase of the project, from 2005, presented a number of threats to the independence of the Observer, and therefore Global Witness decided not to submit an offer for this phase, tendered by the EU.
The project started when the UK Department for International Development (DFID) invited Global Witness to carry out two scoping missions in July and October of 2000, with the objective of identifying the nature and scope of illegality in the Cameroonian forestry sector, as well as assessing the need for full-time IFM in the country.
Both scoping missions confirmed widespread illegal activities carried out by various leading forest companies in Cameroon, as well as high levels of corruption within the forestry administration. Furthermore, the missions proved that efficient field work and professionalism in monitoring resulted in objective information on forest crimes that could make cases for prosecution, hence sending a strong deterrent to illegal operators, hitherto fearless of receiving any punishment. Subsequently, Global Witness was appointed the Independent Observer in support of Forest Law Enforcement in May 2001 for a transition period of six months, with financial support from the World Bank, DFID and the EU. It was later reappointed for a further six months in February 2002. During this time, the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry (MINEF) and the donors agreed on the principle that the Independent Observer should be appointed through a competitive process, and in May 2002, Global Witness and MINEF signed a two-month renewable contract until an international bidding process was launched. Global Witness operated on this basis until the end of March 2005.
At the end of this phase in the project, Global Witness and others undertook a period of critical reflection, the results of which our outlined in our achievements, lessons and recommendations.
Latest Publications
September 2010
Global Witness stands by findings on Sudanese oil data
Global Witness today refuted claims that it had apologized for the findings of its September 2009 report, Fuelling Mistrust, on the lack of transparency in Sudan's oil sector. The organisation said that although very important commitments on improving transparency were made recently by the Government of National Unity (GoNU), the full disclosure of oil revenue data and the results of an independent audit remain necessary to prove the concerns were unfounded.
August 2010
Global Witness welcomes Norwegian government disinvestment from predatory loggers Samling
Global Witness welcomes the Norwegian Government Pension Fund's decision to disinvest from the notorious Malaysian timber giant Samling. Global Witness has previously exposed illegal logging by Samling in Cambodia as well as evidence of legal breaches by two Samling-associated companies in Liberia.
Global Witness welcomes new commitment to transparency in Sudan
Global Witness has participated in a landmark seminar on oil revenue transparency in Khartoum, organised by the Sudanese government and attended by foreign oil companies. We welcome the commitment to increase transparency, including an audit of the oil sector and publication of key production and revenue figures.
Global Witness applauds RBS penalty over terrorist financing
Global Witness welcomes the decisive action taken by the UK financial regulator, the FSA, which has fined the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) £5.6 million for failing to check whether its customers were on the UK terrorist sanctions list.
Campbell testimony shines light on blood diamonds and the importance of international justice
Global Witness is attending the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague as supermodel Naomi Campbell is called to testify. The event offers a useful reminder of the role of natural resources in funding conflict, and of the importance of pursuing justice for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
