Gabon launches "Gabon Infini" project with $200 million to fund communities and protect nature

The project, also known internationally as the Project Finance for Permanence PFP, brings together the Gabonese government, The Nature Conservancy TNC, Enduring Earth, and other partners. An agreement signed between the parties aims to mobilize up to $200 million over ten years for rural populations and biodiversity conservation. The project emphasizes placing communities at the heart of the national development strategy, aligning with the 2026-2030 National Growth and Development Plan.

Hermann Immongault, the government's vice-president, stated that the vision is to prioritize people and communities in development, creating local economic opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods. Gabon Infini also builds on the Community Development and Conservation Plan, which includes creating an additional 3.7 million hectares of protected areas, adding to the existing 3.8 million hectares. Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, highlighted the importance of local community involvement for successful conservation.

Stanislas Stephen Mouba, TNC's country director, noted that Gabonese ecosystems are home to over half of the world's remaining forest elephants and a quarter of surviving plain gorillas. The project follows the 2023 Nature Bonds project, which raised $163 million fo