Gabon’s new biodiversity strategy: a path to sustainable conservation

Gabon has initiated a pivotal chapter for the future of its remarkable forests, expansive coastlines, and diverse wildlife. Following several days of collaborative work, the national validation workshop for the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SPANB) 2022-2030 successfully concluded this Tuesday in Libreville.

This comprehensive blueprint outlines a clear direction for safeguarding 30% of the nation’s territory. The freshly endorsed document is lauded as the country’s definitive guide, poised to steer public policies, bolster the protection of vital ecosystems, and ensure the enduring management of Gabon’s extraordinary biological heritage.

The core objective is to translate into national action the profound commitments made by 196 nations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Specifically, Gabon is aligning itself with four critical priorities to be achieved by 2030: preserving a minimum of 30% of its terrestrial, coastal, and marine zones; actively restoring degraded ecosystems; mitigating significant threats to biodiversity such as poaching, rampant deforestation, and various forms of pollution; and securing sustainable financial resources dedicated to conservation efforts.

Once the SPANB is fully consolidated, incorporating the latest recommendations from all stakeholders, it will be presented to the Government for final approval. Subsequently, it will be officially submitted to the Executive Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), solidifying Gabon’s commitment on the international stage.

For Mme Tsayi Mouvagha, the strategy coordinator, the true undertaking begins now. She emphasized, “The immediate next phase involves widely disseminating this strategy across government administrations, the private sector, local communities, and civil society. This crucial outreach is essential to ensure its effective operational deployment throughout our entire national territory.”

What this landmark strategy signifies for Gabon is immense. With an astounding 88% forest cover and 13 national parks, Gabon stands globally recognized as a country of exceptionally high biodiversity value. This SPANB 2022-2030 is therefore designed to act as a crucial compass, guiding the nation in harmonizing economic development, responsible resource exploitation, and robust conservation practices.

However, a critical question remains regarding the necessary means: without a dedicated budget and the genuine, active involvement of local authorities, businesses, and riparian communities, this ambitious strategy risks remaining an unfulfilled promise.