Gabon Introduces Access Form for Protected Areas Starting January 2026 LIBREVILLE, Gabon — 28 December 2025 (AGP) – The Gabonese National Parks Agency (ANPN) announced on Sunday that starting from January 1, 2026, a Protected Area Access Form, attached to the invoice, will be mandatory for all tourist activities within areas under its management, the Gabonese Press Agency reported.
According to Cellia Benga Mbie, the tourism advisor at the ANPN, this measure aims to enhance transparency and regulation of ecotourism activities. “We offer you the opportunity to have clear and transparent information about your rights and ecotourism activities practiced on ANPN-managed protected areas,” she.
Officials commented on the matter. “
This initiative is part of the national strategy to valorize parks and promote sustainable tourism, balancing biodiversity protection and socio — economic benefits for riverine populations.
The Protected Area Access Form is intended to provide tourists with detailed information regarding their activities and rights within the protected areas.
It is seen as a means to ensure that visitors engage in ecotourism responsibly and contribute positively to the conservation efforts and local communities.
The ANPN’s approach reflects a commitment to sustainable tourism practices, aiming to protect Gabon’s rich biodiversity while fostering economic development in the region.
The introduction of this form is expected to have several implications for both tourists and local communities.
For tourists, it may lead to a more informed and responsible approach to ecotourism. For local communities, it could potentially bring increased benefits from tourism activities, as visitors are made aware of their rights and responsibilities.
The ANPN’s move comes as part of a broader effort to regulate and promote tourism in Gabon.
The agency has been working on various initiatives to enhance the sustainability of tourism in protected areas, including improving infrastructure and services, as well as implementing stricter regulations to protect the environment. Further details regarding the implementation of the Protected Area Access Form are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The ANPN has indicated that it will provide comprehensive guidance to tourists and operators to ensure a smooth transition to the new requirement.
