Gabon is taking significant strides in sustainable marine management through nationwide public consultations on its national marine spatial planning initiative. Government teams, led by the Ministry of Marine Resources, are traveling across coastal regions to present and gather input on this groundbreaking project.
These sessions provide local stakeholders—particularly artisanal fishermen, market women, and seafood processors—an opportunity to review the proposed zoning framework and share their perspectives. In Port-Gentil, for instance, fishermen actively participated in discussions about the local marine plan, aligning with the Blue Bonds project that has positioned Gabon as a pioneer in marine conservation funding.
The consultations aim to finalize protected marine areas through collaborative mapping. Once complete, the zoning plan will undergo formal review by decision-making bodies before implementation.
The initiative reflects Gabon’s commitment to balancing ecological preservation with economic growth. By safeguarding critical habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs, the plan ensures sustainable access to marine resources for current and future generations. Meanwhile, traditional fishing zones, migratory routes, and climate-resilient areas in Estuaire, Nyanga, and Ogooué-Maritime provinces are being mapped with precision.
Ministry experts have until mid-July to finalize these mappings, incorporating local knowledge and scientific data to create a balanced and inclusive marine spatial plan.
