Ecosystem Services: A Possible New Approach in the Valuation of Compensation for Land Expropriation in Cameroon

Abstract

This article aims to challenge the land expropriation and compensation valuation procedures in Cameroon in relation to forests, both in terms of it being a misapplication of the current law and by arguing for a change in the law. Specifically, it is argued that although not recognised as legal rights under the expropriation regime, customary rights remain part of the land tenure system in Cameroon. The valuation tests used to calculate the different interests that contribute to the value of the land to the customary owners and others are also considered, and, using examples from the United States of America (USA) and South Africa, it is argued that the existing set of interests and values considered in the payment of compensation do not reflect the true value of the land expropriated. The notion of ecosystem services as a new interest in land is then considered as one approach to dealing with the inadequacies of the current law before drawing some conclusions. The paper begins, with an overview of the land tenure system in Cameroon and the nature of the customary interests in land under the existing law.

Keywords: land expropriation, compensation, valuation, customary rights, forests, ecosystem services

JEL Classification: K10, K11, K30, K32, K33, K39, K49