Author: AR Managing Editor

The Support Program for the Preservation of Biodiversity and Fragile Ecosystems in Central Africa (ECOFAC) has reached a significant milestone—celebrating three decades of conservation efforts in the region. Launched in 1992 by the European Union (EU), ECOFAC has made notable strides in biodiversity protection, conservation of endangered species, and the reduction of poaching, though it has faced considerable challenges along the way. A comprehensive evaluation report highlights both its successes and areas for improvement, providing insights into the complex dynamics of biodiversity conservation in Central Africa.

The Evolution of ECOFAC

ECOFAC, now in its sixth and final phase, has been the EU’s longest-running program in Central Africa, having invested over EUR 250 million into the region’s environmental conservation. Implemented under the coordination of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), ECOFAC has spanned several countries including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Sao Tomé & Principe, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo (RoC). Its overarching mission has been to balance the sustainability of forest ecosystems with the rational use of natural resources, contributing to both environmental protection and socio-economic development.

From the outset, ECOFAC sought to increase knowledge of Central Africa’s forest ecosystems, raise awareness of conservation issues, train specialists, and restore protected areas. It has also focused on poverty reduction, enhancing local infrastructure, and improving surveillance to combat illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation. The program’s broad goals reflect a holistic approach to sustainable development, striving to harmonize conservation efforts with economic growth in the region.

Evaluating ECOFAC’s Impact

The recent evaluation of ECOFAC’s three-decade journey involved a multifaceted assessment that used a triangulation approach. Data was collected through 15 in-depth interviews, a global survey of 371 experts, satellite imagery analysis, and case studies of two protected areas—Gabon’s Lopé National Park and Cameroon’s Dja Wildlife Reserve. This approach allowed the evaluators to measure both direct and indirect impacts across a range of domains: species and habitat conservation, socio-economic development, institutional capacity, resilience to climate change, and more.

Martin Tchamba, a researcher involved in the report, emphasized the effectiveness of this method in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the program’s outcomes. However, he also noted limitations, including a lack of full representation of all ECOFAC stakeholders and challenges with satellite data analysis. These limitations highlight the complexities of measuring conservation success, particularly in such vast and ecologically diverse areas.

Key Achievements of ECOFAC

Despite the challenges of implementation, ECOFAC has recorded significant achievements. One of the most notable successes has been the expansion of protected areas. Prior to ECOFAC’s launch, there were 103 protected areas covering 497,345 square kilometers. Today, there are 233 protected areas spanning 835,814 square kilometers, with 28 of these areas having joined the ECOFAC program. This expansion is crucial for conserving biodiversity, especially in a region where many species are endangered.

The program has also made strides in improving the protection of wildlife, with 41 percent of threatened species and 29 percent of endemic species benefiting from enhanced conservation measures. Moreover, the establishment of wildlife corridors has improved connectivity between protected areas, facilitating the movement of species and enhancing biodiversity. These efforts have helped to combat the growing threat of habitat fragmentation, which is a major concern in the region.

ECOFAC has also contributed to the reduction of deforestation and degradation of critical habitats. In some areas, it has helped to slow the conversion of forests into agricultural land, though challenges persist. The development of tourism in protected areas, such as Lopé National Park, has created new income-generating opportunities for local communities, further integrating conservation with socio-economic development.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite these successes, ECOFAC’s evaluation report underscores several ongoing challenges in the region. The population pressures around protected areas have been steadily increasing, leading to conflicts between human activities (such as agriculture and livestock grazing) and wildlife conservation. These conflicts continue to pose a significant threat to biodiversity, and conservation efforts must account for the social and economic needs of local communities to be truly effective.

Moreover, the issue of poaching remains prevalent, with illegal hunting still a serious problem, especially in areas with limited enforcement capacity. The rise of heavily armed poachers and illegal miners, combined with climate change impacts, further complicates the conservation landscape. As Richard Eba’a Atyi, a senior scientist at CIFOR, points out, the geographical distribution of threatened species has worsened, requiring more robust management and protection strategies.

The Future of Conservation in Central Africa: NaturAfrica

As ECOFAC draws to a close, the EU has introduced a new initiative for 2024—NaturAfrica, which is set to replace ECOFAC. NaturAfrica is a forward-looking program that emphasizes a people-centered approach to biodiversity conservation across the African continent. Unlike ECOFAC, which primarily focused on protected areas, NaturAfrica aims to integrate conservation into broader societal development, recognizing the critical role that local communities, Indigenous peoples, and national governments play in sustaining natural resources.

NaturAfrica will build on the lessons learned from ECOFAC, seeking to address the socio-economic and ecological challenges that remain in the region. It aims to empower communities to take active roles in conservation, promote sustainable land-use practices, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Progress and Challenges

ECOFAC’s legacy in Central Africa is one of significant progress, but also one of lessons learned. It has made substantial contributions to the protection of biodiversity, the establishment of protected areas, and the development of conservation-related infrastructure. However, challenges such as population pressures, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and the impacts of climate change remain significant barriers to long-term success.

As ECOFAC transitions to NaturAfrica, it is clear that conservation in Central Africa must continue to evolve, integrating both environmental and socio-economic factors to ensure sustainable outcomes. The experience gained from ECOFAC offers invaluable insights into the complexities of conservation in this ecologically diverse and resource-rich region. Moving forward, a more holistic, inclusive, and adaptive approach will be crucial to preserving the natural heritage of Central Africa for future generations.