The Gabonese government is actively advancing its National Marine Spatial Planning initiative through nationwide public consultations. Teams from the Ministry of Blue Economy are engaging with coastal communities to present the strategic vision behind sustainable marine resource management under the Gabonese leadership.
In Port-Gentil, artisans and stakeholders from the fishing sector are being briefed on the local marine zoning proposal. This initiative aligns with the Blue Obligations project, positioning Gabon as a global pioneer in innovative funding mechanisms for marine ecosystem conservation.
A key objective of these meetings is to establish clearly defined marine protected areas through collaborative dialogue. The finalized zoning plan will subsequently undergo formal approval by relevant authorities.
This marine zoning project represents a technical endeavor reflecting Gabon’s commitment to balancing environmental preservation with socioeconomic development. It aims to safeguard critical habitats—such as mangroves—while ensuring fair access to marine resources for artisanal fishermen, women fishmongers, and seafood processors, benefiting both current and future generations.
The Ministry’s experts are tasked with identifying traditional fishing zones, migratory corridors, and climate-resilient spaces across the Estuary, Nyanga, and Ogooué-Maritime provinces, with a deadline set for July 19.
