The Gabonese government has launched nationwide public consultations to present its National Marine Spatial Planning initiative, a cornerstone of the country’s Blue Economy strategy. Teams from the Ministry of Blue Economy are crisscrossing coastal regions to outline the vision for sustainable marine resource management, while addressing current challenges in protected marine areas.
In Port-Gentil, the heart of Gabon’s artisanal fishing sector, stakeholders gathered to review the proposed marine zoning plan for the region. This initiative is part of the Blue Obligations project, which has positioned Gabon as a global leader in innovative financing for marine ecosystem conservation. The goal is to foster collaborative discussions on the delineation of protected marine zones, with the final plan set for submission to national authorities for approval.
The consultations are a technical yet visionary step toward balancing environmental preservation with economic development. The plan aims to safeguard critical habitats such as mangroves while ensuring fair access to marine resources for artisanal fishermen, women fishmongers, and seafood processors. This approach supports both current livelihoods and future generations.
By July 19, experts from the Ministry of Blue Economy will finalize the identification of key zones, including traditional fishing grounds, migratory routes, and climate-resilient marine areas within the Estuary, Nyanga, and Ogooué-Maritime provinces.