Gabon is strengthening the protection of its marine ecosystems through the Blue Gabon Programme. An initiative that makes the country a major player in the blue economy in Central Africa. With 26% of its territorial waters protected, Gabon is positioned as a regional leader in the conservation of marine biodiversity.
Launched in 2013, the Gabon Bleu initiative is now one of the most ambitious marine conservation programs on the African continent. It covers 885 kilometres of coastline and is supported by a network of 20 marine protected areas. The objective is twofold: to preserve exceptional marine biodiversity, including sea turtles, humpback whales and more than 20 species of dolphins and cetaceans, while promoting sustainable fishing for the benefit of local populations.
« I am going to talk to you here about the Gabon Bleu program. As I said, this program is already 14 years old today and in fact it is simply the fact that Gabon has decided to face the sea. It was said that before we had our backs to the sea and we are appropriating this area. »
Koumba Kombila, Coordinator of the Gabon Bleu – Gabon Program
The implementation of the programme is accompanied by a strengthening of governance and maritime surveillance mechanisms, with the support of international partners committed to the fight against illegal fishing. Through the Blue Bonds, Gabon has mobilized $500 million over 15 years to finance the conservation of ecosystems, the restoration of degraded areas and the development of a responsible maritime economy. Coastal communities are also involved in this strategy, in order to ensure the sustainability of the actions undertaken
« It deals with different aspects, so we have aspects related to archaeology, so to the ancient traces of human activity in our environments. We have studies on the ecology of pangolins, the ecology of mandrilles, and the ecology of elephants and other large primates in our protected areas. This makes it possible to document the diversity, and therefore in fact the number of species that exist. This also makes it possible to estimate the size of the populations. »
Stephann Ntie, Scientific Advisor – Gabon
These efforts illustrate Gabon’s ability to reconcile environmental protection and economic development. The authorities plan to expand marine protected areas to 30% of national waters by 2030, with the support of international partners and local actors. The Gabon Bleu initiative is thus asserting itself as an African model of maritime governance, demonstrating that the preservation of the oceans can go hand in hand with sustainable and inclusive growth.
source : africa24tv
