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Gabon’s junta pays first instalment of debt-for-nature fund money – TNC

Gabon’s junta pays first instalment of debt-for-nature fund money – TNC

THE junta that seized power in Gabon in August has paid the first instalment of conservation fund money that forms a key part of a pioneering "debt-for-nature" deal sealed just before its coup. The $500 million debt swap was the first of its kind on continental Africa and saw the government of overthrown president Ali Bongo commit to protecting Gabon's coastal waters that host the world's largest population of leatherback turtles. His removal though raised concerns the newly inked deal could fall apart and even trigger a sovereign debt default that would cause further problems in the central African country. Junta officials have since…
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Ivory Coast opens first protected marine area

Ivory Coast opens first protected marine area

IVORY Coast has initiated its first protected marine area to protect sharks and turtles from overfishing near the West African country's coastline. The marine conservation area, spanning more than 1,000 square miles (2590 square km) off the town of Grand-Bereby, is part of an effort to bring Ivory Coast's marine conservation efforts in line with U.N. targets, the government said. Larger than the commercial capital of Abidjan, the area is home to sea-bed creatures, coral reefs and tropical fish, and is an important nesting and foraging ground for turtles, including the vulnerable leatherback. The area will also "undoubtedly boost local…
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