This dissertation closely examines industrial pollution
along the Atlantic coast of Cameroon. In recent years,
there has been the formulation of both governmental
initiatives and corporate voluntary practices with the view
of curbing industrial pollution along the coast of Cameroon.
However, a majority of studies have failed to ascertain the
extent to which these initiates and practices have been
successful in addressing industrial pollution, which is
undoubtedly fundamental to policy makers in the decision
making process. Therefore, this thesis attempts to bridge
this major gap by examining both governmental and voluntary
corporate practices vis-à-vis industrial pollution along the
polluted coast of Cameroon.
The thesis analysis efforts formulated by the government of
Cameroon to mitigate industrial pollution. It identifies
constraints to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
practice in Cameroon. Environmental management system (EMS)
initiatives adopted by industries along the coast of
Cameroon that has been hitherto ignored is unveiled as well
in this thesis. Furthermore, a more compelling case is made
by addressing the drivers, benefits and barriers stemming
from EMS implementation by these industries.
A robust reflexive methodological research strategy is
developed and utilized both qualitative and quantitative
data collected from unstructured interviews, questionnaire
based surveys, personal observations, relevant literature,
consultancy reports and documentation form governmental
departments. Analysis of these data facilitates detailed
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discussion of both governmental initiatives and corporate
environmental management systems.
The thesis contends that there is an urgent need to
complement governmental policy and regulations with corporate
voluntary environmental management systems. It
purports that efforts made by the government of Cameroon to
address industrial pollution have had minimal impacts on
industrial pollution along the coast of Cameroon and submits
that the EMS process in these industries is still at its
infancy. Moreover, it is argued that a plethora of barriers
still prevail that deter a rigorous implementation of EMS in
these industries. On the basis of this, the thesis advances
a comprehensive strategy for the effective and efficient
management of industrial pollution along the coast of
Cameroon and emphasizes that a holistic or concerted
approach from all stakeholders is absolutely mandatory for
the successful implementation of the recommended strategies.