An aerial view of a heard of African elephants in the Wonga Wongue presidential reserve, Gabon. The Wildlife Crime Story - from Africa to Asia: Sudanese Janjaweed militiamen believed to be responsible for the massacre of hundreds of elephants earlier this year are on the move again in Central Africa. Intelligence sources say they are headed back to Cameroon with the intent to shoot more elephants for their valuable ivory tusks. This time, however, Cameroon's special forces will be waiting at the border. Governments like Cameroon are becoming increasingly alarmed by the use of wildlife trafficking as a source of funding for insurgents. Rebel groups, drug syndicates and even terrorist networks have seen an opportunity to profit from what has until now been a low risk, high reward criminal enterprise. Populations of rare animals like elephants, tigers and rhinos are plummeting as a result. The products sourced from this bloody business are nearly unrecognizable on the other end of the trade chain where they are being sold in up-scale, air conditioned Asian boutiques. Intricate carvings, jewelry and medical tonics made from endangered species are becoming more and more popular in places like China, Thailand and Vietnam. Economic success has thrust swaths of people in to the middle class, and many have come with the desire to possess things that used to be out of reach to all but the highest elites. Although they are illegal, they are easily obtainable by anyone with internet access and a big enough bank account. Consumers of illegal wildlife products may not know that their money is being used by militias to purchase guns and bribe government officials. Militias like the one run by a man called 'Morgan' who led an attack on a wildlife refuge in Democratic Republic of the Congo in June. Morgan's crew shot dead seven people and took others as hostages and sex slaves. The destruction brought about by illegal wildlife trade has its roots in Asian demand. But poaching is ab

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Gabon sets global standard with FSC-certified national parks

By sahel-express / July 1, 2026
Environment

Gabon sets global standard with FSC-certified national parks

By our correspondent 168 No comment
Tourism in Gabon's national parks

Libreville, July 1, 2026 — As global climate priorities reshape economic and environmental strategies worldwide, Gabon is taking decisive steps to elevate its conservation efforts. The country is now pursuing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all 13 of its national parks, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable environmental governance.

This bold initiative transcends mere technical compliance. It reflects a sweeping vision to transform Gabon’s protected areas into a globally recognized benchmark—one that harmonizes biodiversity preservation, sustainable development, and access to green financing. Spearheaded by the National Agency for National Parks (ANPN), the project aligns Gabon with a growing global movement that views natural ecosystems not just as heritage to safeguard, but as strategic assets in the fight against climate change and the transition to greener economies.

Certification as a pillar of environmental credibility

The ANPN recently convened representatives from FSC Africa and project consultants to outline the certification pathway. This foundational meeting aimed to align expectations around international standards, clarify institutional roles, and establish operational frameworks for field implementation. While FSC certification is traditionally associated with sustainable forestry, extending it to protected areas sends a powerful signal of intent.

The process demands rigorous adherence to governance benchmarks, resource management transparency, community engagement, and ecosystem preservation. For Gabon, this certification is more than a badge of honor—it’s a strategic asset. As investors and financial institutions increasingly prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, certified natural spaces become a competitive advantage in securing international funding and partnerships.

From biodiversity to economic leverage

Gabon’s national park network spans nearly 11% of the country’s land, hosting some of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots. From forest elephants to gorillas and countless endemic plant and animal species, these protected areas are ecological treasures. But the certification effort isn’t just about conservation—it’s about unlocking their economic potential within sustainable frameworks.

Discussions with FSC Africa have centered on monitoring mechanisms, protected area evaluation tools, and the monetization of ecosystem services. This modern concept recognizes that forests, wetlands, and protected zones generate tangible economic value through carbon sequestration, climate regulation, water resource protection, and ecotourism development. Certification acts as a gateway to international financing mechanisms designed to bolster conservation policies.

A continental leadership role

Beyond national ambitions, Gabon is staking its claim as a regional pioneer. By certifying all 13 national parks under FSC standards, the country joins an elite group of African nations redefining environmental governance. This strategic pivot coincides with a continental shift toward modernizing conservation models to meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement and global biodiversity targets.

The ANPN-FSC partnership signals a new era in Gabon’s protected area management—one that enhances conservation effectiveness while boosting the country’s appeal to global partners. In an era where natural resources are becoming a geopolitical chessboard, Gabon appears to have recognized that its biodiversity is one of its greatest strategic assets. By aligning its national parks with the world’s most stringent environmental standards, the country is not only safeguarding its natural heritage—it is building a foundation for environmental diplomacy that could turn conservation into a driver of influence, financing, and sustainable growth.

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