Story, Boris Ngounou
The Provincial Directorate of Water and Forests of Ogooué-Ivindo and the NGOs Conservation Justice and Brainforest organized a capacity-building workshop on March 26 and 27, 2024, in Makokou, and on March 29 and 30 in Mekambo, aimed at stakeholders involved in the management and operationalization of the forest-wood sector in the Ivindo and Zadié departments. The cities of Ovan and Booué will also be involved in the following days.
Recently held in Makokou, Mekambo, Ovan, and Booué, a crucial workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders engaged in forest management in the Ivindo and Zadié departments. Organized by the Provincial Directorate of Water and Forests of Ogooué-Ivindo in collaboration with the NGOs Conservation Justice and Brainforest, this event aimed to raise awareness and inform participants about key issues affecting the forestry sector in Gabon.
Colonel Célestin Ndinga Gnama, Provincial Director of Water and Forests of Ogooué-Ivindo, highlighted that this workshop had a dual objective. Firstly, it aimed to enhance the capacity of populations affected by forest exploitation for better management of local development funds and increased understanding of contractual specifications. Secondly, it aimed to provide communities with the necessary tools for effective management of community forests.
Adelaïde Chantal Ngovet, Prefect of the Ivindo department, commended this initiative, emphasizing its importance for local development. She stated that experience sharing among stakeholders is essential to improve relationships and energize community development.
Contractual specifications (CS) represent crucial agreements between companies and affected village communities by forest exploitation, while the valorization of community forests offers populations means of economic development. These social mechanisms, established by the Gabonese government, aim to empower communities to take charge of their own development.
Participants expressed satisfaction with this initiative, noting that it would clarify processes and avoid misunderstandings in forest resource management. Chief of Canton Ntang-Louli, Elie-Nloh Hubert-Bled, emphasized the importance of this workshop to prevent lapses and ensure a better understanding of community forestry issues.
This capacity-building workshop represents an important step towards more sustainable management of forest resources in Gabon. By providing stakeholders in the forestry sector with the knowledge and tools necessary, it contributes to strengthening local governance and promoting economic development in rural communities.
