Gabon launches $1.5 million project to strengthen human-wildlife conflict mitigation

This initiative, funded by the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund GBFF and the Global Environment Facility GEF-7 through the World Wildlife Fund United States WWF-US, with technical support from The Nature Conservancy TNC, aims to protect ecosystems and provide solutions for rural communities affected by elephant incursions into their plantations. The project, totaling approximately $1.5 million nearly 900 million CFA francs, will focus on installing electric fences to secure agricultural areas. Mveng Ayong will serve as a pilot site, with plans for nationwide expansion if successful.

The electric barriers are provided free of charge, with communities encouraged to organize into cooperatives for better efficiency. This program is part of Gabon's commitment to preserve at least 30% of its terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems by 2030. The project also includes long-term support for communities in high-pressure wildlife areas, including national parks like Monts de Cristal, Minkébé, Mayumba, and Loango.

The goal is to integrate the national human-wildlife conflict management strategy into the "Gabon Infini" financial mechanism, promoting balanced coexistence between people and wildlife. TNC also provided field vehicles to support brigades working on conflict mitigati