Central African Organization of the Defence of the Nature (CAODN)
From TrustAfrica wiki - African Regional Organizations
Central African Organization of the Defence of the Nature (CAODN)
B.P. 3259
BANGUI, Central African Republic
Phone: +236 56 47 02 / 05 22 92
Fax: + 236 610975
E-Mail: ocdn2001@yahoo.fr
Patrice Passe Sanand, National Executive Secretary, passesanand@yahoo.fr
Description
The Central African Organization for the Defence of Nature is a not-for-profit, non-political and non-sectarian association providing a platform for sharing, debating and understanding all issues pertaining to conservation of biodiversity, forests and environment. It was established in Central African Republic after the Rio summit in 1992. Its objectives are to improve public understanding of forest, biodiversity, desertification and natural resources through provision of accurate and balanced information to consumers, media and policy makers; provide a network or forum for sharing and exchanging experiences and practices in forestry, agriculture ,biodiversity and natural resources to enhance food security, poverty alleviation and environmental conservation in the Central African Republic; and, to disseminate information on biodiversity conservation. CAODN’s programs are funded from membership subscriptions, donations and support from International NGOs and corporate sponsors. Its donors include the IUCN, CEFDHAC and others.
Track Record
CAODN facilitates meetings for groups of individuals with a stake in environment and forests to debate and dialogue on issues surrounding biodiversity in Central African Republic.
It has also represented NGO views and activities at the WSSD and other fora on various matters such as forestry, biodiversity, natural resources, NEPAD and so on. Another major contribution of the organization has been its public sensitization on desertification, land degradation among others. It is also involved in tree planting.
The CAODN National Executive Secretariat works on improving and increasing the Biosphere Reserve of Basse Lobaye and is involved in the Central African Republic Biosphere Reserve Projects.
Challenges
Despite the achievements mentioned above, the organization has faced a number of challenges. Deforestation, degradation of soils, burnt farming practices continue alongside other challenges which require additional human and financial resources.
Other challenges facing CAODN include strengthening local capacity to manage development programs and addressing critical development challenges. CAODN also lacks adequate capacity (human and institutional) to carry out its mandate effectively because of unstable funding.
Opportunities
CAODN work is based on the key principle of working cooperatively with other groups, governments and NGOs to promote conservation. The organization aims at being professional and scientifically rigorous which opens opportunity for it to be effective in promoting environmental conservation.
