On the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, the African Union’s permanent mission hosted the launch of a joint OECD-OIF/IFDD report focusing on access to ecological financing. Addressing an international audience, Louise Pierrette Mvono, Gabon’s Minister of Planning and Foresight, passionately articulated her nation’s stance, advocating for a fundamental transformation of international aid mechanisms.

With an impressive 88% forest cover and a long-standing status as a net carbon sink, Gabon stands as a vital global regulator of climate. However, despite its exemplary conservation efforts, the country faces significant procedural and linguistic hurdles that impede its access to essential green funds.

Minister Mvono commended the scientific rigor of the presented report while highlighting this glaring paradox: Gabon’s immense commitment to preservation demands, in return, a predictable, equitable, and proportionate international financial solidarity, free from current bureaucratic delays.

A proactive national strategy already underway

Far from passively awaiting a paradigm shift, Libreville is forging ahead with its own initiatives. Ahead of presenting the country’s second National Voluntary Review to the United Nations, the Minister underscored the robust framework guiding Gabon’s transition.

The National Growth and Development Plan 2026-2030 already incorporates sophisticated tools, including green bonds and carbon credits. The accreditation of Gabon’s Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) by the Green Climate Fund exemplifies this drive towards financial autonomy. Furthermore, in terms of innovation, the $60 million “Country Package” partnership sealed at COP16 in Cali embodies an integrated strategy, uniting climate action, biodiversity conservation, and local development.

Three key levers to unlock future progress

To translate global pledges into tangible local impacts, the Minister proposed three crucial directives to international donors. These included supporting local integration by prioritizing direct accreditation for national institutions, thereby reducing reliance on international intermediaries. She also emphasized sustaining expertise through continuous training programs designed to develop bankable ecological projects locally. Finally, the Minister advocated for monetizing natural capital by establishing rigorous payment mechanisms for ecosystem services and ensuring integrity in carbon markets, which are indispensable for recognizing the systemic value of tropical forests.

Through this pragmatic appeal, Gabon reiterates that the safeguarding of our planet hinges on the capacity of wealthier nations to simplify and accelerate funding for countries at the forefront of conservation efforts.