Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Gabon

MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.

GOAL: The conservation of more than 50 percent of the world’s biological diversity while ensuring a positive impact on millions of people globally.

WCS has been active in Gabon since the 1980’s, and started by supporting pioneering studies of forest ecology. WCS’ support for a nationwide biodiversity evaluation of the most intact areas of forest in Gabon, formed the basis for the creation of thirteen national parks in 2002, representing all major ecosystems. More recently, in 2014, a network of marine protected areas was created, with technical assistance from WCS. Today our strategy is based around three fundamental approaches:

DISCOVER We carry out critical research and monitoring forming the basis for informed conservation decisions

PROTECT We aim to provide the tools and skills necessary to assist the government of Gabon in achieving their sustainable development goals

INSPIRE Capacity building and environmental education forms a core theme of the WCS Gabon program