The CBFP Facilitator held discussions with Ms. Jacqueline Van De Pol, ITTTA representative (International Technical Tropical Timber Association) in Libreville and Mr. Lee White, Executive Secretary of Gabon’s National Agency of National Parks.

The CBFP Facilitator’s mission to Gabon ended with a working luncheon with COMIFAC Executive Secretary, Mr. Ngoye and Ms. Jacqueline Van De Pol, ITTTA (International Technical Tropical Timber Association) representative in Libreville.

Ms. Van of POL lamented the absence of Chinese companies within the ITTTA, despite China’s strong presence in Congo Basin forests. In this regard, the organization plans to hold an annual forum in Shanghai from 21 to 25 October. The CBFP’s input would be undergirded by the deliberations of its Private sector and Scientific Colleges.

The highlight of the day of 6 March during this major tour conducted by the Facilitator was a meeting with Mr. Lee White, Executive Secretary of Gabon’s National Agency of National Parks. They discussed the issue of poaching and illegal logging in protected areas and also touched on illegal gold mining which has grown and is causing mercury pollution in many rivers. Mr. White stressed the need to implement mechanisms to manage the growing influx of illegal "climate refugees" who are encroaching on the integrity of Gabonese forests and biodiversity.

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