Gabon’s marine zoning plan takes shape through public consultations

Gabon is advancing its marine conservation agenda with nationwide public consultations on the National Marine Space Zoning Plan. Teams from the Ministry of the Blue Economy are traveling to coastal and inland communities to outline the government’s vision for sustainable marine resource management.

In Port-Gentil, discussions focused on the zoning proposal for local waters, drawing strong participation from artisanal fishermen. These sessions are part of the “Blue Obligations” initiative, positioning Gabon as a global leader in innovative marine conservation financing.

The goal of these consultations is to reach a consensus on protected marine areas before submitting the final zoning plan for official approval.

The zoning project is a technical yet strategic move to balance ecological preservation with socio-economic needs. It aims to safeguard critical habitats like mangroves while ensuring fair access to marine resources for small-scale fishermen, women fishmongers, and seafood processors—benefiting both current and future generations.

Ministry experts are identifying traditional fishing zones, migratory corridors, and climate-resilient areas in the Estuaire, Nyanga, and Ogooué-Maritime provinces, with a deadline of July 19 to finalize assessments.