Create a community forest to help protect western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in Doussala

The Madre Forest (18 km2) is located in the buffer zone to the south-west of Moukalaba Doudou National Park (PNMD) in Gabon. This forest is known to be home to several groups of western lowland gorillas listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, including the gorilla group named BadBoy, which now numbers around 20 individuals. In addition to gorillas, the forest is home to several protected species such as western chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, and fruit trees that gorillas and chimpanzees feed on, such as the Ofoss. The forest is a source of sustainable income and a strong cultural heritage for the communities of Doussala, who, in addition to offering tourist visits, use this space for cultural activities. The forest is located on the outskirts of the village of Doussala and is within the Compagnie des Bois du Gabon (CBG) logging concession. The latter is willing not to exploit this area, subject to the forest’s transition from a ‘commercial’ forest to a ‘community’ conservation forest. Following the change in status, this community conservation forest will be entrusted to the sustainable management of the Tu Gho Konde village association in the village of Doussala, with land title granted so that local communities can ensure optimal and sustainable conservation of primates through the implementation of their acquired knowledge and ancestral wisdom.