CONTRIBUTION DU REBOISEMENT AU DEVELOPPEMENT LOCAL ET A LA LUTTE CONTRE LES CHANGEMENTS CLIMATIQUES DANS LA COMMUNE DE LAGDO (NORD, CAMEROUN)

In the current context where sub-Saharan Africa is threatened by climate change, numerous initiatives have been put in place by States, donors, researchers and local communities in order to find solutions to fight against deforestation and strengthen the capacity of local populations. It is with this in mind that a study was carried out on the contribution of reforestation to the local development of the municipality of Lagdo and the fight against climate change. In order to take stock of the plant cover in the study area, direct observations and land use maps using satellite images as well as surveys and targeted interviews were carried out. Dendrometric surveys were carried out in the field to estimate biomass, carbon stock and associated carbon dioxide emissions. The results obtained show a regression of vegetation due to anthropogenic activities, which are the main direct drivers of deforestation and degradation. The reforestation implemented in localities has contributed to improving the living conditions of populations, strengthening local dynamics and job creation. Of the two reforestation sites inventoried, the largest carbon stock (238.79 tC. ha-1) was recorded in the MINEPDED reforestation site compared to 17.42 tC. ha-1 in the REDD+ reforestation site. The total quantity of carbon sequestered by the two reforestation sites is estimated at 53,236.11 tonnes. The economic values of the CO2 equivalent of each reforestation site were estimated at 649,382,241.3 FCFA for the MINEPDED reforestation site, and 315,785,959.2 FCFA for the REDD+ pilot project. Reforestation therefore contributes enormously in the fight against climate change through its capacity to sequester carbon by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will be able to fight against poverty through the sale of sequestered carbon in addition to the ecosystem services that the population will be able to benefit from it.