From 6 to 8 March 2019, Minister of State François-Xavier de DONNEA, Belgian facilitator of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership conducted a working mission to the highest authorities of Gabon. The aim of the trip to Gabon was to review cross-border threats to Congo Basin’s forest resources and biodiversity and introduce the CBFP’s activities and prospects in this regard.

The mission began with a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Guy Kambongo AbduRazzaq. After handing the documents on the CBFP’s operations and objectives to the Minister, the CBFP Facilitator touched on the issue of cross-border threats to Gabon’s forest resources and biodiversity. The Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored the need for the Head of State to be personally invested in nature protection. He also expressed the view that stronger cross-border cooperation is vital and affirmed his determination to work towards this end.

Following his discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CBFP Facilitator talked with the Vice-President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Pierre Maganga Moussavou who reaffirmed the commitment of the Head of State. He expressed the wish that logging companies and large plantations would invest in improving the livelihoods of local populations in their operating areas, and especially improving their habitat. To His Excellency Mr.  Maganga Moussavou, the economic and social development of forest dwellers and people living in protected areas is a basic condition for their protection and survival.

The Minister of State for Forests, Environment and the Climate Plan, His Excellency Mr. Guy Mapangou agrees with his counterpart. During his meeting with the CBFP Facilitator, he highlighted various measures taken by the Head of State and the Gabonese Government to ensure sustainable logging.

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