Women & Ecotourism: Gabon Bets on Its Nature Guardians. The Case of Moukalaba-Doudou Park in the Spotlight in Osaka

Mavikana
Jul 30
3 min read

Updated: Aug 1

On July 23, 2025, at the Pavillon de la Femme de Cartier, a roundtable discussion focused on the strategic role of women in Gabonese ecotourism. Under the program of Ms. Nina Abouna, General Commissioner of Exhibitions of Gabon, this meeting highlighted the exemplary case of the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park as a model of inclusive and sustainable management.

A voice given to women in the field

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, in southern Gabon, is renowned for its exceptional biological wealth and its community involvement efforts. This iconic site is now becoming a testing ground for ecotourism led by women , whether they are guides, hoteliers, artisans or educational project leaders.

During this roundtable, grassroots women were able to share their experiences and demonstrate their daily commitment to conservation and local development. The message is clear: Gabonese ecotourism cannot be built without women—it is built thanks to them.

A coherent and inclusive political vision

Tourism Minister Pascal Ogowe Siffon took the floor to reaffirm the government's commitment to placing women at the heart of tourism development policies. Their empowerment, training, and integration into key sectors are seen as powerful levers for equitable territorial growth.

This orientation is in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema , who promotes a model of sustainable development based on the rational exploitation of natural resources and the promotion of traditional knowledge.

Moukalaba-Doudou: a feminine ecosystem

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park is more than a nature reserve: it's a human ecosystem, where local communities—and women in particular—are at the heart of the dynamics on the ground . From raising awareness about gorilla protection to welcoming visitors and promoting local crafts, women's initiatives are redefining the contours of green tourism in Gabon.

The results are concrete: economic development, social cohesion, and direct benefits for families living near the park.

A stage open to dialogue between actors

The panel also provided an opportunity to hear the voices of members of AGATOUR , who came to share their vision of the development of national tourism, as well as that of the Mbolotours company , active in the structuring of ecotourism and cultural circuits in rural areas. These exchanges highlighted the growing interest in local, respectful and locally managed tourism .

A cultural and diplomatic finale

At the end of this meeting, the public was invited to a vibrant artistic moment with the traditional group Les 9 Provinces de Kelola , supported by the NGO Gabon Terre Avenir. This performance illustrated the richness of Gabonese intangible heritage, a central element of tourism based on identity and transmission.

The ceremony concluded with a speech by Mr. Damien Mougin , Vice-President of the Albert Schweitzer Foundation , who highlighted the immense tourism and diplomatic potential represented by the work of Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Gabon . This speech highlighted how the link between memory, culture and ecotourism can become a strategic lever for influence and influence.

A clear direction: Gabonese ecotourism will be inclusive, or it will not be

By highlighting the women of Moukalaba-Doudou Park, Gabon has sent a strong signal to the international community: sustainable development cannot be decreed, it is built with those who inhabit, protect and embody the territories.