Whilst appealing in theory, participation can however, prove irrelevant depending on local realities. Conservation projects in the tropical rainforests of south-west Cameroon operate with superficial knowledge of local views concerning conservation. Participatory techniques, for example, failed to unearth local competition over meanings and values related to the forest, and relied on inappropriate uniform notions of what kind of community can participate. Given the chasm , research by University College London suggests, between project aims and local people's priorities there is scant hope for long term conservation initiatives. Conservation efforts can be complex and conflict-ridden and an imported concept of community participation is woefully unprepared to deal with such problems.
Community participation is regarded as critical to conservation activity.
Local organisations are considered an asset to be invested in by development agencies in the drive towards conservation. Cameroon is now the site of many large-scale and highly visible conservation efforts. Somewhat belatedly organisations are now attempting to understand local perceptions of the uses and meanings of the forest. The study examines local views and reveals important divisions within the community itself and the perceived irrelevance of project approaches to local concerns and interests. Longstanding debates about the future of the forest exist but external conservation efforts knew nothing about them.