Gabon at a Critical Crossroads: Socio-Economic Realities vs Conservation Policies
Gabon finds itself at a pivotal moment where the imperatives of biodiversity conservation clash with the socio-economic realities of local populations. Restrictive measures, such as limits on hunting and fishing—while essential for environmental protection—are often poorly received in rural areas where hunting endangered species represents a vital source of income and food self-sufficiency. This conflict is evident in situations like the destruction of plantations by elephants, highlighting an environmental policy that, from the perspective of local communities, neglects their basic needs. This discord, exacerbated by the lack of viable economic alternatives, calls for a reevaluation of environmental strategies to better balance socio-economic dynamics with conservation efforts.
Demands from Congo Basin Countries and the Role of Micro-Structures
The countries of the Congo Basin, facing the urgency of climate change, call upon nations and entities most responsible for biodiversity loss to actively participate in their forest conservation efforts. Simultaneously, there is a growing need for credible partners rooted in local realities to manage sustainable development funds effectively. In this context, it is crucial to value more agile and endogenous approaches, embodied by micro-structures such as civil society, small enterprises, and social businesses. These entities, deeply embedded in their local context, are ideally positioned to understand and address the specific needs of their communities, incrementally innovating for authentic sustainable development.
One Forest Summit: A Framework for North-South Solidarity and Inclusion of Micro-Actors
The One Forest Summit in Libreville emphasized the importance of civil society, NGOs, community groups, and environmental organizations in implementing the summit's recommendations. This framework hinges on the realization of strengthened North-South solidarity, particularly in sustainable forest management—essential to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Toward an Integrated and Sustainable Strategy
In this context, GTA recommends an integrated strategy to strengthen and include local actors—particularly civil society, social enterprises, and indigenous communities—alongside larger private and public sector players. This strategy aims to structure these "micro-actors" within sustainable governance, enabling them to attract and manage funds for sustainable development while complementing public and private sector efforts.
Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Industries and Promoting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)
GTA is exploring tangible socio-economic opportunities as alternatives to traditional forestry and oil industries, focusing on the sustainable promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as Iboga, recognized for its ability to combat opioid addiction (cocaine, heroin, codeine, etc.). By exploring their potential in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food sectors, as well as promoting eco-tourism and renewable energy development, GTA aims to structure these high-value niche activities. This approach, aligned with sustainability standards, seeks to ensure socio-economic well-being and ecosystem preservation while building on the achievements of initiatives like the One Forest Summit. Such efforts could lead to win-win partnerships by mobilizing complementary expertise among nations.
Authentic and Rooted Development
GTA envisions an Africa built on authentic and rooted development, embracing an approach that aligns with African cultures, economic realities, and aspirations. By prioritizing pragmatism, hands-on learning, and leveraging agile small-scale structures, we can forge a future where progress is shared and sustainable, harmonizing with the realities and aspirations of African people.
By David Mboussou
Intercultural Mediator and Holistic Communication Advisor
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