Gabon's Minister of Water and Forests, Environment, and Climate, Maurice Ntossui Allogo, presented the "Gabon Infini" initiative to international funders in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to balance ecological ambitions with local development imperatives, allowing communities to benefit directly from the results of Gabon's actions. According to the minister, "Gabon Infini" represents a major opportunity for Gabon to reconcile its ecological ambitions with local development imperatives.
The "Gabon Infini" initiative includes the Permanence Financing Project (PFP), which aims to guarantee rural communities a steady source of income while preserving natural capital. To address the challenges of environmental economics, Gabon plans to develop sustainable value chains based on ecosystem services such as ecotourism, non-timber forest products, and handicrafts. This approach will enable Gabon to leverage its natural resources to drive economic growth while protecting the environment.
The Gabonese government is providing a significant financial contribution of $86 million to support the "Gabon Infini" initiative, alongside international partners. This demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting its ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. The minister emphasized that "Gabon Infini" is not just an ambition, but a pioneering role in climate action that illustrates Gabon's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.
The "Gabon Infini" initiative has garnered significant international support, with a coalition of philanthropic and institutional partners contributing $200 million to support biodiversity conservation in Gabon. Partners include the Bezos Earth Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Nature Conservancy (TNC), among others. The TNC is the primary technical partner for the co-design and implementation of "Gabon Infini".
The Fund for the Preservation of Biodiversity in Gabon (FPBG) will manage and redistribute the funds mobilized from international donors. The FPBG is an independent and sustainable trust fund that will ensure the long-term conservation of Gabon's biodiversity. The signing of the PFP agreement with TNC took place on August 29 in Makokou, Ogooué-Ivindo Province.
The "Gabon Infini" initiative is expected to have a positive impact on local communities, providing them with new economic opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods. By preserving natural capital and promoting ecosystem services, Gabon aims to create a model for sustainable development that balances human needs with environmental protection.
The presentation of the "Gabon Infini" initiative to international funders in New York highlights Gabon's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. With significant financial support from international partners, Gabon is poised to make a meaningful impact in the conservation of its biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable development.
Key points
- The "Gabon Infini" initiative aims to balance ecological ambitions with local development imperatives.
- The initiative has garnered significant international support, with $200 million contributed by a coalition of philanthropic and institutional partners.
- The Gabonese government is providing a significant financial contribution of $86 million to support the initiative.
