Libreville, the 1st of July 2024 - In a sustained effort to preserve natural capital and reverse the current trend of biodiversity loss, WWF Gabon has officially launched Phase 2 of the BIODEV2030 project. This initiative is part of the new post-2020 global biodiversity framework adopted at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Under the aegis of AFD - Agence Française de Développement, Expertise France, IUCN West and Central Africa and WWF, BIODEV2030 promotes sustainable practices in Gabon's economic sectors. 

"Phase 2 in Gabon will place particular emphasis on the mining and agricultural sectors, which are crucial to the country's economy and ecosystem." explains Nathalie NYARE ESSIMA, National Director of WWF Gabon.

The project launch workshop, held on 1st July 2024 in Libreville, follows consultations with partners from the mining and agriculture sectors, and an awareness-raising day on the global framework for biodiversity held on 6 June 2024 at the Gabonese Senate. 

The launch workshop brought together representatives of the ministerial departments (Mines, Agriculture, Water and Forests), NGOs involved in conservation, private sector companies, the French Embassy and civil society. 

Participants exchanged ideas and perspectives to encourage the involvement and alignment of all stakeholders with the project's objectives, the adoption of the BIODEV2030 Charter and the functioning of the national multi-stakeholder dialogue spaces that will be organised with all stakeholders in the Mining and Agriculture sectors. 

The partners agree with this ambitious project and stress the need for a legal framework and a plan to mitigate the effects on biodiversity in areas of high economic value in Gabon.