On June 6, 2013, the Oakland Institute and
Greenpeace International expressed deep concern about the Cameroonian
government's decision to lift their suspension of Herakles Farms's
forest clearing activities.
In April of this year, Cameroon's Ministry of Forestry and
Wildlife (MINFOF) made the decision to suspend Herakles' efforts to
develop a 73,000 hectare palm oil plantation in country's south west
region. The US-based corporation was attempting to push ahead with the
project, despite widespread opposition from communities concerned
about losing their lands and livelihoods, allegations of corruption
and violations of national law. The government decided today to
reverse this decision without yet providing a rationale or addressing
the aforementioned concerns, which initially halted operations.
Irène Wabiwa, forest campaigner for Greenpeace Africa, remarked
on the decision today, stating, "This project should be cancelled
permanently, as it would have devastating social and environmental
consequences for the region." She added, "It seems
increasingly clear that the company is facing serious cash flow
issues. The company is not a viable long-term development partner for
the Cameroonian government nor local communities, and the government
would be well advised to conduct financial due diligence on Herakles
Farms."
A report released last month by the Oakland Institute and
Greenpeace International detailed widespread misconduct by Herakles
Farms. A series of internal company communications and documents
reveals that the company is apparently well aware that it is operating
in Cameroon without all required permits and authorisations, and that
bribery may have been used in the attempt to gain consent and other
approvals for the project (1) .
The US authorities are aware of the allegations of corruption,
and Greenpeace and the Oakland Institute believe both the US and
Cameroonian governments should thoroughly investigate these
accusations.
"In the face of evidence that's been laid bare by the Oakland
Institute and Greenpeace International, we wonder why the hands of the
Cameroonian Government are still tied, stopping it from doing right by
its people and the country," said Anuradha Mittal, Executive
Director of the Oakland Institute.
Greenpeace and the Oakland Institute are calling for a moratorium
on all large-scale land concessions in Cameroon until appropriate
safeguards are introduced to protect the livelihoods of local
communities and the forests on which they depend. If this project is
not stopped, Herakles Farms's palm oil plantation would set a very
bad example to investors on how large-scale agribusiness projects can
be conducted on the continent.
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(1) The full report & more information on the Oakland
Institute's and Greenpeace campaign on the Herakles Farms issue can
be found at: http://www.oaklandinstitute.
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