Gabon: WWF Gabon Conducts Sensitization Campaign on Human-Wildlife Conflict in Lambaréné Lambaréné, Gabon — In a bid to address the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict, WWF Gabon recently launched a sensitization campaign in Lambaréné, located in the central region of the country.
The campaign, which targeted both rural communities and local authorities, was organized in the Makouké district and the village of Kéri in the Ogooué-et-des-Lacs department. Participants in the campaign included community leaders, ecotourism and environmental protection stakeholders, and representatives from the provincial Water and Forests Directorate of the Moyen-Ogooué, led by Colonel Victor Mafoumbi Mafoumbi. Lambaréné’s Mayor, Guy-Pierre Biteghe, expressed gratitude to WWF Gabon for their support, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and the protection of affected populations.
The mayor highlighted the presence of elephants in villages and agricultural areas, leading to significant crop damage and, in some cases, loss of human life. He stressed the need for an exchange of information and the adoption of appropriate attitudes to prevent confrontations with wildlife. Charlie Mabala, the WWF Gabon program coordinator, reminded participants of Gabon’s rich elephant population, which presents both an ecological and cultural asset but also challenges for rural communities.
He advised on maintaining calm and avoiding sudden movements when encountering elephants, emphasizing the importance of reporting regular sightings to authorities.
The sensitization campaign, which concluded with a conference — debate, is part of a broader strategy to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife in Gabon.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
