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GABON SIGNS DEBT FOR NATURE SWAP

GABON SIGNS DEBT FOR NATURE SWAP
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Maina wa Njuguna

Gabon šŸ‡¬šŸ‡¦ is the fifth richest country in Africa after Seychelles, Mauritius, Libya, and South Africa rounding up the top five per Gross National Income (GNI).

In a headlining rare debt exchange deal, the country signed off $500 million national debt exchange for marine conservation of its rich biodiversity with Bank of America (BOA) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

A major part of refinancing its debt for nature is also to hasten the country’s transition to a green economy at such a time where climate change factors high on nations and corporations economic goal posts.

Image: /Courtesy/
Why Gabon is considered Africa’s Eden or hidden gem?

• Gabon is said to have the best beaches ā›±ļø of the entire African coastline.

• It is the most urbanized country in Africa and one of the most globally.

Libreville, Gabon’s capital. Image credit: Odilia Hebga/ World Bank

• 88% of the country is forested. The country is home to fifteen national parks, diverse wildlife and pristine coastline.

• Gabon exports most of its petroleum production outside Africa, with the much of the crude oil going to the France and the United States.

Gabon forested topography. Image: /Courtesy/

• Gabon’s wealth is as a result of its immense oil and mineral reserves and a relatively small population, and is able to protect and preserve its pristine rain forests with a rich biodiversity.

• Gabon is known for its rich biodiversity and is often referred to as ā€œAfrica’s Edenā€. It is part of the Congo basin, also known as the ā€˜lungs of Africa’ is the second largest carbon sink in the world after the Amazon.

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