Integration through interaction? Synergy between adaptation and mitigation (REDD plus) in Cameroon

In the forest sector of Cameroon, policy strategies such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) have the potential to contribute to global climate mitigation efforts. Similarly, forests support the adaptation of populations and economies dependent on climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture, fisheries, and energy. The article investigates the strategies of policy actors in building synergies between the priority for adaptation and the opportunity of REDD+, and vice-versa. Theoretically, the article combines the concepts of policy integration, institutional interaction, and interaction management. It draws from extensive documentation of national discussions on climate policy and in-depth interviews with state and non-state actors involved in the policy processes. The article concludes that synergetic interaction occurs in sharing of ideas and knowledge to promote inter-institutional learning; and in cooperative behavior and communicative actions. A prominent example of managing interactions is the establishment of l'Observatoire national sur les changements climatiques as an overarching institutional framework for policy implementation.