Gabon’s minister calls for climate finance overhaul in new york

During the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, the Permanent Mission of the African Union hosted the unveiling of a joint report by the OECD and OIF/IFDD, focusing on access to ecological funding. It was at this international gathering that Louise Pierrette Mvono, Gabon’s Minister of Planning and Foresight, passionately advocated for her nation, demanding a profound overhaul of international aid mechanisms.

With a remarkable 88% of its land covered by forests, Gabon has long stood as a critical net carbon sink, making it an indispensable player in global climate regulation. Despite this pivotal role as a conservation leader, the nation frequently encounters intricate procedural and linguistic hurdles that significantly impede its access to essential climate funding.

Minister Mvono, commending the scientific precision of the newly launched report, highlighted this glaring paradox. She stressed that Gabon’s immense efforts in preservation necessitate, in return, international financial solidarity that is both predictable and equitable, delivered without the current bureaucratic delays.

A national strategy already in motion

Far from merely awaiting a shift in global paradigms, Libreville actively drives its own progress. Ahead of presenting the nation’s second Voluntary National Review to the United Nations, the Minister underscored the meticulously structured nature of Gabon’s ongoing transition.

The National Growth and Development Plan 2026-2030 already incorporates advanced instruments such as green bonds and carbon credits. A testament to this commitment to financial autonomy is the accreditation of Gabon’s Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) by the Green Climate Fund. Furthermore, an innovative $60 million “Country Package” partnership, forged during COP16 in Cali, exemplifies an integrated strategy that seamlessly blends climate action, biodiversity conservation, and local development.

Three levers to unlock the future

To effectively translate global commitments into tangible local impacts, Minister Mvono presented three crucial recommendations to international donors. First, she urged support for local empowerment by prioritizing direct accreditation for national institutions, thereby lessening reliance on international intermediaries. Second, she called for sustained capacity building through funding continuous training programs, enabling local experts to design bankable ecological projects. Finally, she advocated for monetizing natural capital by establishing robust payment mechanisms for ecosystem services and transparent carbon markets, which are vital for acknowledging the systemic value of tropical forests.

Through this pragmatic and compelling appeal, Gabon unequivocally reminds the international community that the preservation of our planet hinges on the willingness of developed nations to simplify and expedite climate financing for those countries on the frontline of conservation.