Mapping of financing for Gabon’s forests Gabon

Context of the service

As part of the “Financing for Forests” initiative led by the European Commission through the Forest for the Future Facility (F4F), SalvaTerra is working in Gabon to contribute to the evaluation of financing mechanisms for sustainable forest management. This study, led by CIFOR-ICRAF and F4F, is part of a preparatory phase for a future European programme to support the implementation of climate and biodiversity commitments. Gabon has exceptional forest potential (88% coverage), an advanced timber traceability system, and a strong positioning on carbon markets. However, the financial instruments fit for purpose remain dispersed, under-utilised or partially operational. In this context, the objective is to identify concrete levers to structure a coherent, effective financial offer aligned with national priorities and European expectations.

Services provided

SalvaTerra conducts a comprehensive analysis of the forest financing ecosystem in Gabon through a review of the mechanisms in place (National Climate Fund, forest carbon projects, PES mechanisms, bilateral initiatives), targeted consultations with institutional (ministries, specialized agencies), technical (forestry operators, NGOs) and financial (banks, donors, investment funds) actors, as well as an analysis of the conditions for scale-up. The intervention also focuses on the assessment of regulatory and institutional obstacles, monitoring mechanisms, and the viability of innovative solutions such as HFLD credits, green bonds or hybrid instruments. SalvaTerra prepares the country report structured according to a common framework, including an inventory, operational recommendations and avenues for integration into the future European programme. The team also contributes to the technical dialogue with the EU Delegation in Libreville.

Summary of the service

In-depth diagnosis of forest finance in Gabon as part of the “Financing for Forests” initiative. The analysis focuses on existing mechanisms, innovation opportunities and scale-up conditions, with the aim of feeding into the design of a future European programme to support the transition to sustainable, inclusive and climate-compatible forest management.