In Sarh, Chad, a meeting was held on September 22, 2026, bringing together administrative officials, civil society representatives, canton chiefs, and environmental protection actors. The focus was on preserving natural resources while considering the needs of local populations. This gathering is part of the preparation of documents to guide the management of Zakouma National Park and the Bahr-Salamat wildlife reserve. The goal is to collect input from various stakeholders to improve future development and management plans.
The meeting, organized by the provincial authorities, aims to ensure that the management of these protected areas is participatory and inclusive. Abdelkerim Mahamat Youssouf, the provincial delegate for the environment, encouraged active participation from all stakeholders, emphasizing that decisions should be the result of collective work. The meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to share their perspectives and concerns on the conservation of natural resources.
Mahamat Ali Moussa Taroung, deputy director of Zakouma National Park, presented the development plan as a reference document to guide interventions within the park. The plan aims to better organize conservation activities and promote sustainable use of natural resources. The discussions during the meeting covered various aspects related to the conservation of fauna and flora, including collaboration between protected area managers and local communities.
Participants emphasized that nature protection should not be done in isolation from the concerned populations. Local realities, community activities, and concerns should be taken into account in decisions related to natural resource management. They stressed the importance of involving local communities in the decision-making process to ensure the success of conservation efforts.
Fidèle Kodé Ngolo, secretary general of Moyen-Chari province, highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue with local communities. He believes that their participation is crucial to ensuring the continuity of conservation efforts. Ngolo emphasized the importance of consultation and frank dialogue with populations to enable them to understand the rationale behind the project.
The meeting is part of a broader effort to ensure the effective management of protected areas in Chad. The development plans and internal regulations for Zakouma National Park and the Bahr-Salamat wildlife reserve are expected to be finalized based on the input collected during the meeting. The stakeholders aim to strike a balance between conservation and the needs of local populations.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources in Moyen-Chari province. The participants' recommendations and suggestions will inform the development of management plans that take into account the concerns and needs of local communities. The meeting demonstrates the commitment of stakeholders to collaborative conservation efforts in Chad.
Key points
- The meeting in Sarh aimed to collect input from stakeholders on the management of Zakouma National Park and the Bahr-Salamat wildlife reserve.
- Participants emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the decision-making process for conservation efforts.
- The meeting is part of a broader effort to ensure the effective management of protected areas in Chad.
