The Gabonese government has adopted a new national biodiversity strategy, which aims to protect at least 30% of the country’s territory by 2030. The strategy, known as SPANB 2022-2030, is designed to translate into action the commitments made by 196 countries under the Kunming-Montréal Accord.
The plan focuses on four key priorities: conserving at least 30% of forests, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing threats to biodiversity such as deforestation and pollution, and mobilizing sustainable funding for conservation efforts.
According to Tsayi Mouvagha, coordinator of the strategy, the next step will be to promote awareness and buy-in from various stakeholders, including government administrations, private sector companies, local communities, and civil society organizations.
The Gabonese biodiversity strategy is seen as a crucial step towards balancing economic development with conservation efforts. With 88% forest coverage and 13 national parks, the country has one of the highest values of biodiversity in Africa.
However, critics argue that without dedicated funding and genuine involvement from local authorities, businesses, and communities, the strategy may remain empty rhetoric.
