UCL in the News: GPS helps pygmies defend forest

For the pygmies of Central Africa, the last century has been one of intense struggle for survival. …

Here in Cameroon, we have seen evidence of illegal logging and encroachment by big logging companies into community forest. …

The UK-based software company Helveta and Forest People's Programme, along with the Cameroonian group Centre for Environment and Development (CED), are working with Dr Lewis to pioneer the use of hand-held computers among the Baka pygmies.

Now, when … villagers go into the forest to hunt and gather, they carry a GPS - Global Positioning System - on which they can record the exact location of their hunting grounds, sacred trees and important rivers.

"Before, if somebody wanted to come in and chop down one of their trees there was no record, no proof that it ever existed on their lands. Now we have the proof," explains Dr Lewis. …

Because most Baka are non-literate, the computer screens are marked with symbols which they can press to record an important site. For example, a tree designates a medicine or food source, or the image of a fish signifies a river. …

As Dr Lewis explains: "Under agreements that are being made with the European Union, governments must commit to allow only legal logging and to operate in a way that respects the rights of indigenous communities.

"The information gathered on the GPS will show if they are living up to their promises." …