Protected areas are limited in the municipality and there is no strict implementation of the law
concerning them. The most noticeable ones include the Mbibi community forest in the Talla,
the Njilah/Njimsa Forest in Njilah, the Mbandfung secret forest, the Njiningo and Njipkfu forest
in Ndu, and many other smaller secret forests around Fons’ palaces. There also exists a lowland
forest in the Mbaw plain of Ntaba and Rong villages. Many natural tree species exist in these
areas and provide a rich biodiversity for the region. However, irrational and illegal exploitation
has led to the loss of some species. More or less these protected areas are more protected by
traditional norms than the application of state laws. Moreover, the Ministry of Forestry and
Wildlife has just a single worker to cover the entire municipality. Important tree species known
from these forests include mahogany and Prunus africana. Of late, there has been enrichment
planting in most of these forests.
