Gabon has made a landmark decision for the future of its forests, coastline, and wildlife. Following days of intensive work, the national workshop to validate the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2022-2030 concluded this Tuesday in Libreville.
The new roadmap aims to shield 30% of the country’s territory. This pivotal document is hailed as « Gabon’s guiding compass for shaping public policies, fortifying ecosystem protection, and ensuring the sustainable management of its extraordinary biological heritage ».
The strategy translates into action the commitments made by 196 nations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. By 2030, Gabon will pursue four key priorities: preserving at least 30% of its land, coastal, and marine areas; restoring degraded ecosystems; curbing threats like poaching, deforestation, and pollution; and mobilizing sustainable funding for conservation efforts.
The finalized NBSAP, incorporating stakeholder feedback, will be submitted to the Government for final approval before being filed with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Executive Secretariat. This step will formally cement Gabon’s international commitment to biodiversity protection.
From vision to reality: the challenges ahead
According to Ms. Tsayi Mouvagha, the strategy’s coordinator, the real work begins now. « The next phase focuses on raising awareness among government agencies, private enterprises, local communities, and civil society to ensure the strategy’s operational rollout across the nation », she explained.
Gabon’s biodiversity at the heart of its future
With 88% forest cover and 13 national parks, Gabon stands as a biodiversity hotspot. The NBSAP 2022-2030 will serve as a strategic tool to balance economic growth, resource utilization, and conservation.
Yet, the success of this initiative hinges on two critical factors: securing dedicated funding and fostering genuine involvement from local authorities, businesses, and neighboring communities. Without these, the strategy risks remaining an unfulfilled promise.