Une collaboration efficace entre les forces de l’ordre et les défenseurs de la nature a permis de mettre fin aux activités illégales de trois individus impliqués dans le trafic d’ivoire. Les arrestations ont eu lieu à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou, où deux des trafiquants ont été appréhendés en flagrant délit de possession et de tentative de vente de précieuses pointes d’ivoire.
Toute l'actu sur la protection de l'environnement
Une collaboration efficace entre les forces de l’ordre et les défenseurs de la nature a permis de mettre fin aux activités illégales de trois individus impliqués dans le trafic d’ivoire. Les arrestations ont eu lieu à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou, où deux des trafiquants ont été appréhendés en flagrant délit de possession et de tentative de vente de précieuses pointes d’ivoire.
Leur capture fait suite à une opération minutieuse menée conjointement par la Direction Provinciale des Eaux et Forêts, la Direction de Lutte Contre le Braconnage, et l’antenne de la Police Judiciaire de l’Ogooué-Lolo, avec le soutien crucial de l’ONG Conservation Justice. Grâce aux informations fournies par des sources fiables, une équipe de surveillance a identifié les suspects et les a interceptés au moment opportun.
Lors de la fouille du petit sac de voyage transporté par l’un des individus, les autorités ont découvert deux pointes d’ivoire sectionnées en six morceaux, pesant environ une dizaine de kilogrammes. Les présumés trafiquants, de nationalité gabonaise, ont admis leur intention de vendre ces ivoires et ont impliqué un troisième complice, qui a été appréhendé le lendemain après dénonciation.
Ces actes illégaux sont passibles de lourdes sanctions, avec une peine de prison pouvant aller jusqu’à 10 ans et une amende atteignant cinq fois la valeur marchande des pointes d’ivoire, conformément aux lois en vigueur. Il est crucial de souligner que toute forme d’abattage d’éléphants doit être signalée aux autorités compétentes pour garantir la préservation de ces espèces protégées.
Cette opération démontre l’engagement résolu des autorités et des organisations partenaires à lutter contre le trafic d’ivoire et à protéger la faune sauvage au Gabon.
Boris Ngounou
A recent study published in the journal Nature on 10 April 2024 provides encouraging news for biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin. Led by Utrecht University in the Netherlands, with the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the research highlights the positive impact of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests on the region’s wildlife.
The results of the study, which lasted five years and involved hundreds of local employees, are unequivocal. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forest concessions are home to a larger population of threatened large mammals than non-certified forests. In fact, certified concessions have seen a significant increase in the number of large mammals such as gorillas and forest elephants, compared with non-certified areas. This increase is particularly notable for mammals weighing more than 220 kilograms, such as gorillas and forest elephants, with a 2.7-fold increase compared to non-certified areas.
These findings underline the crucial importance of FSC-certified forest concessions in protecting the wildlife of the Congo Basin. As well as providing a haven for critically endangered species, these certified forests play an essential role in seed dispersal, nutrient cycling and forest carbon storage in the region.
The challenges of FSC certification
However, the study highlights the persistent challenges facing biodiversity conservation in the region. In particular, the impact of illegal hunting on wildlife remains a major concern. Despite proactive measures taken by FSC-certified forestry companies, such as blocking old logging roads and supporting alternative sources of protein for local communities, illegal hunting continues to threaten biodiversity in the Congo Basin.
These results underline the crucial importance of responsible forest management in conserving biodiversity. FSC-certified forest concessions offer a concrete example of how wildlife conservation can be reconciled with sustainable economic development. Sustainable forestry practices support not only biodiversity, but also local communities and help combat climate change by preserving tropical forests.
Despite the obvious benefits of FSC certification, it is still largely concentrated in northern countries, with little involvement of tropical forests in southern countries. What’s more, small-scale forestry operations, particularly family or community forestry, are often excluded from the certification process, which limits their access to international markets.
Fanta Mabo
Congo Basin: certified forests, a refuge for wildlife
A recent study published in the journal Nature on 10 April 2024 provides encouraging news for biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin. Led by Utrecht University in the Netherlands, with the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the research highlights the positive impact of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests on the region’s wildlife.
he French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is launching a call for projects to support initiatives led by civil society. This call specifically targets the funding and implementation of field projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and/or nature-based solutions (NBS), in response to the crucial challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change.
On 1 February 2024, the French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched the Programme to support biodiversity CSOs (civil society organisations) active in developing countries (ProBioDev). This 3-year programme aims to improve the state of biodiversity in developing countries by strengthening civil society action and developing the capacities and partnerships of CSOs.
Supported by a coalition of public and private partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), the Audemars Piguet Foundation for Trees, the Fondation de France, the Manthano Foundation, the Egis Foundation and the Maisons du Monde Foundation, the programme also aims to encourage the development of equitable and mutually supportive partnerships to respond effectively to biodiversity issues in developing countries.
As part of this programme, a system for funding meso-projects has been set up, and an initial call for projects is open from 9 April to 26 May 2024. This call for projects will fund around ten field projects, with grants of between €100,000 and €250,000 over a maximum period of 24 months. Grants will represent up to 90% of the total project budget.
The projects selected must be carried out in a country eligible for official development assistance, with priority given to Africa, in accordance with the list drawn up by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). They must be led by civil society partnerships, which must include a French CSO and a local CSO registered in a developing country.
The main objective of the projects must be the preservation of biodiversity and/or the implementation of nature-based solutions focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change, in line with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal World Conservation Framework.
Fanta Mabo
AFRICA: IUCN wants to fund biodiversity conservation projects
The French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is launching a call for projects to support initiatives led by civil society. This call specifically targets the funding and implementation of field projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and/or nature-based solutions (NBS), in response to the crucial challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change.
At an event held on 28 February 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Colombia unveiled the official logo for COP16 on biodiversity at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. The logo, inspired by the Inírida flower, embodies the spirit of the conference and underlines the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
In an exciting and symbolic moment, Colombia, the host country of the 16th United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), unveiled the official logo for the event on 28 February 2024. The event took place during the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The logo itself, inspired by the Inírida flower, a species endemic to Colombia, and carefully designed to embody the spirit of COP16 and Colombia’s rich biodiversity, captivated onlookers with its vibrant colours and intricate design. It served not only as a visual representation of the conference, but also as a powerful symbol of hope and commitment to protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems.
The 23 petals at the heart of the logo design represent each of the 23 targets set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada. These goals serve as guiding principles for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, outlining specific actions and targets to be achieved within set timeframes.
The image also represents Colombia’s 13 priority ecoregions in the national development plan. Making « peace with nature » is the message of COP16 in Colombia, a call for reflection to improve our relationship with the environment and rethink an economic model that does not favour the extraction, over-exploitation and pollution of nature.
Colombia, the eventual host of COP16
In the context of the global environmental agenda, the launch of the COP16 logo marked a significant step forward in the collective effort to address biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Colombia was designated host country for this COP after Turkey withdrew its bid following the earthquakes that severely affected the country in 2023. With its remarkable biodiversity and commitment to environmental management, Colombia was the ideal host for COP16, scheduled for October 2024. The unveiling of the logo underlined the country’s commitment to driving positive change on the world stage.
As the world awaits COP16, scheduled for 21 October to 1 November 2024, the launch of the logo serves as a reminder of the urgency and importance of the discussions and decisions ahead. With the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework for Biodiversity at COP15 in Canada just over a year ago, COP16 promises to build on this momentum and define global action for nature by 2030.
Fanta Mabo
KENYA: unveiling of the COP16 logo, a symbol of hope for biodiversity
At an event held on 28 February 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Colombia unveiled the official logo for COP16 on biodiversity at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. The logo, inspired by the Inírida flower, embodies the spirit of the conference and underlines the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Dans le cadre des préparatifs de la deuxième édition de la Conférence Internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, qui se tiendra à Château-Thierry à Paris en France le 23 novembre 2024, un appel à contribution est lancé. Cet appel vise à solliciter des idées, des projets et des expériences innovantes dans le domaine du développement urbain durable, avec une attention particulière portée aux défis rencontrés en Afrique.
Avec plus d’une personne sur deux vivant désormais en milieu urbain, l’Afrique est le continent connaissant la tendance d’urbanisation la plus rapide au monde. Selon Africapolis, une base de données recensant les dynamiques d’urbanisation du continent, l’Afrique urbaine est passée de 27 millions à 587 millions d’habitants entre 1950 et 2020. Il s’agit toutefois une urbanisation rapide et non planifiée qui entraîne une série de problèmes environnementaux et sociaux. Les villes africaines, sont confrontées à des défis majeurs tels que la déforestation, la pollution atmosphérique et les difficultés d’accès à l’eau et à l’énergie.
Cette situation précaire nécessite une action urgente et concertée pour promouvoir un développement urbain durable et résilient. C’est à cela que tente de répondre la Conférence Internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, dont la deuxième édition est prévue le 23 novembre 2024 à Château-Thierry, à Paris en France. La conférence offre une plateforme pour discuter des défis actuels et proposer des solutions innovantes.
La Fondation EBOKO, organisatrice de la conférence, est engagée dans la promotion du développement durable en Afrique, avec un accent particulier sur la construction de villes durables. En recueillant des contributions en amont, les organisateurs souhaitent enrichir les discussions et mettre en avant les initiatives les plus inspirantes.
Boris Ngounou
2e Conférence internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, l’appel à contributions est lancé
Dans le cadre des préparatifs de la deuxième édition de la Conférence Internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, qui se tiendra à Château-Thierry à Paris en France le 23 novembre 2024, un appel à contribution est lancé. Cet appel vise à solliciter des idées, des projets et des expériences innovantes dans le domaine du développement urbain durable, avec une attention particulière portée aux défis rencontrés en Afrique.