‘Central African Forests Forever’ is an inspiring book about safeguarding the second largest rainforest in the world, the Congo Basin rainforest, and surrounding forests in ten countries in Central Africa.

It shows the great importance of these forests for the welfare, health and well-being of the people living in Central Africa and for the global community. It explains the benefits of the many life-supporting ecosystem services these forests have to offer. It shows how conservation and the sustainable use of forests contribute to water supply and sanitation, food security, clean air, mitigation of climate change, trade in sustainable forest products, agriculture, genetic resources, hydro-power, ecotourism, job creation and more.

The book addresses how to conserve and restore the very rich biodiversity in Central Africa, which is the home of three of the world’s four great apes – the gorilla, chimpanzee and bonobo – forest elephants, magnificent birds and so many enchanting animals and plants.

‘Central African Forests Forever’ presents the vision of Central African economists, conservationists and other experts, leaders at a government and community level, women, entrepreneurs, leaders of NGOs and the youths of Central Africa.

‘Central African Forests Forever’ is in particular a book by and for people in Central Africa. This makes the book a special one. 

Economists, conservationists and entrepreneurs from countries outside Africa and leaders of international NGOs and UN organizations present their views as well.

The book offers an unprecedented overview of experiences, opportunities, good forest practices and solutions to balance protection and the sustainable use of forests with the needs of further development in times of rapid population growth, global pressure on natural resources and climate change.

It is an inspiring roadmap presenting sound perspectives for sustainable action to safeguard forests and biodiversity in Central Africa. For all stakeholders to use and for others to become familiar with the challenges in this exceptionally beautiful part of the world.

‘Central African Forests Forever’ is easy to read without jargon. It is a beautiful and inspiring book, as it contains many gorgeous pictures of Central African forests, people and biodiversity, art, songs and forest legends.

The book covers six countries in Congo Basin – Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo – and four adjacent countries: Burundi, Chad, Rwanda and São Tomé e Principe.

The book will include a network section with contact data of companies which produce in an eco-friendly, social inclusive way, financial institutions, investors, policymakers, economists, biologists, research institutions, knowledge centres, providers of capacity building and training, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders inside and outside Africa.

Book concept: Meindert Brouwer
Graphic concept: Hans Olykan, Studio Olykan bv
Book design: Emiel Hoving
Web design: Mariëtte Boomgaard, Ocelot Ontwerp
Corrections: Peter Davies
Photos slider: Jaap van der Waarde (WWF), Both ENDS, CENDEP with thanks to the people of the Kitiwum community in Cameroon

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