Gabon's ODEBAC Program Promotes Sustainable Blue Economy

The Ocean Sustainable and Blue Economy in Central Africa program, known as ODEBAC, is working to contribute to the protection of oceans and coastal ecosystems in central Africa. The program, an initiative of the European Union's Global Gateway, aims to promote a sustainable and inclusive blue economy for the benefit of local populations. It covers six coastal countries of the Economic Community of Central African States, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and São Tomé and Principe.

The ODEBAC program is built around a marine landscape approach, which takes into account marine and coastal ecosystems, natural resources, and socio-economic activities. This approach involves communities, fishermen, governments, and civil society in the preservation and sustainable valuation of natural blue capital and related lifestyles. The program focuses on conserving and restoring marine protected areas, mangroves, and marine habitats, as well as monitoring species.

The program is implemented in partnership with the Economic Community of Central African States and involves a portfolio of 12 projects executed by various operators, including Expertise France, the Institute for Research and Development, and the French Development Agency. These projects benefit from the support of a regional technical assistance team installed in Libreville since July 2026.

The ODEBAC program aims to achieve the sustainable and integrated use of ocean resources in central Africa to improve and stimulate inclusive economic growth. The program's objectives align with international goals for biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

The program's actions are expected to contribute to increasing the area of marine protected areas, restoring marine and coastal habitats, and improving the sustainable management of fish stocks. The program also aims to strengthen carbon sequestration by marine habitats, promote job creation in the sustainable blue economy, and reduce illegal fishing.

The ODEBAC program's approach emphasizes the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing, and the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The program also supports innovations, the development of blue value chains, and sustainable tourism, while promoting ocean and maritime governance and adaptation to coastal risks.

The program's implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, economy, and local communities in central Africa. By promoting a sustainable blue economy, the ODEBAC program aims to improve the livelihoods of local populations while protecting the region's rich marine biodiversity.

Key points

• The ODEBAC program promotes a sustainable blue economy in central Africa.
• The program focuses on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems.
• The program aims to improve the livelihoods of local populations while protecting marine biodiversity.