The "Eau Douce" team from the Organisation écologique des lacs et de l’Ogooué (OELO) recently organized a sensitization session in the village of Ndama Leboussou, located on Ezanga Lake in Gabon's Moyen-Ogooué province. The session focused on sustainable management of fish resources, data collection on fishing activities, apiculture development, and protection of crops from elephant incursions. The event was coordinated by OELO's vice-coordinator, Cyrille Mvele.
The session brought together several local administrative officials, including the provincial director of Agriculture, Célestin Evouna Ndong, and the provincial director of Fisheries, Fabrice Nicodème Mouele. Representatives from the Conseil départemental de l’Ogooué et des Lacs, Eaux et Forêts, as well as law enforcement officials, also participated in the discussions. A total of 38 people, including 11 women and 27 men, took part in the initiative.
During the session, five new fishing cooperatives officially received their accreditation, recognizing their commitment to organizing and structuring their activities. The apiculture segment of the event also took place, with a visit to 15 beehives and a capacity-building session for apiculturists. The activity was supported by two apiculturists from the lake Oguemoué cooperatives, Efulatchi and Amven.
The "Eau Douce" team's mission continued with visits to several agricultural sites in the village of Ndama Leboussou to assess the challenges faced by local producers. The producers expressed their desire for electric barriers to protect their plantations from elephant incursions. This initiative aims to contribute to the capacity building of local communities, promote sustainable economic activities, and foster better coexistence between riverine populations and wildlife.
The OELO organization seeks to promote responsible practices in exploiting natural resources in the Bas-Ogooué lakes region. The initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development in the region. By engaging local communities in sustainable fishing and crop protection practices, OELO aims to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment.
The event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between local communities, administrative officials, and organizations in promoting sustainable development. The participation of law enforcement officials and representatives from the Conseil départemental de l’Ogooué et des Lacs, Eaux et Forêts underscores the commitment of various stakeholders to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The OELO organization's efforts to promote sustainable fishing and crop protection in Ezanga Lake communities reflect a broader strategy to balance economic development with environmental conservation. By supporting local communities in adopting sustainable practices, OELO contributes to the preservation of Gabon's natural resources and promotes a culture of environmental responsibility.
Key points
- The OELO organization promotes sustainable fishing practices and crop protection in Ezanga Lake communities.
- Five new fishing cooperatives received accreditation during the sensitization session.
- The initiative aims to foster better coexistence between riverine populations and wildlife in the Bas-Ogooué lakes region.
