Venture with me into one of the most ancient ecosystems on Earth—a colossal expanse of towering trees and winding rivers forming a living tapestry across millions of years. Ferns and mosses carpet the ground beneath an interlocking cathedral of branches, softening the steps of elephants weaving through an endless maze of green, their low-frequency rumbles reverberating through the undergrowth. Pangolins curl beneath giant shrubs as huge vines twist like serpents around mammoth Okoumé trunks, their bark etched with scars that tell the tale of storms weathered centuries past. This is the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon. Within this vastness stand the rainforests of Gabon, a realm older than memory, housing ancient sanctuaries of knowledge and resilience. Some trees here are over a thousand years old, silent witnesses to the rise and fall of civilizations. Their roots intertwine with the soil, anchoring a world that breathes life into the planet, storing vast amounts of carbon, and releasing oxygen that sustains us all.
Life here operates on a scale both grand and intimate. Each tree is its own ecosystem, hosting vibrant epiphytes, industrious ants, and the occasional flash of a chameleon before it blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The rainforest cradles species found nowhere else on Earth, alchemical wonders, and plants that hold secrets to healing, their leaves and bark harboring compounds that could cure diseases we have yet to encounter. Troops of mandrills swing through the trees, their brightly colored faces a vibrant counterpoint to the endless green. Even the forest floor, damp and rich with the aroma of earth and decay, teems with the promise of knowledge and untold secrets.
Covering over 90% of the nation’s land, the forests of Gabon are a testament to millennia of ecological harmony, thrumming with life—an intricate symphony of howls, calls, chirps, and rustles that speak to the interconnectedness of every living being. Yet, despite their natural fortitude, Gabon’s rainforests face mounting threats, from human-wildlife conflict to poaching and illegal logging. In this intricate setting, forestry engineer and conservation scientist Isaac Youb, CAFI Forestry Lead at The Nature Conservancy, has seen the transformative impact of bioacoustics—a non-invasive scientific discipline that captures the sounds of nature to reveal its secrets, offering a new way to monitor and protect these irreplaceable ecosystems.
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Isaac through Kashmir World Foundation’s (KwF) Bioacoustics Research Initiative. The connection was warm, and our rapport was immediate. Before long, we were carrying on like old colleagues picking right up where we left off. Our conversation quickly turned to the synergies between our projects, and Isaac’s enthusiasm was unmistakable upon learning that, half a world away at Tamandua Biological Station on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula—home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity—KwF is pioneering new technologies that could elevate conservation efforts in places like Gabon to entirely new heights. We immediately began collaborating, and Isaac graciously agreed to present an overview of his thesis and work in Gabon to our Bioacoustics Team. I was so impressed by his work that I asked to interview him for a feature article. Princess Aliyah Pandolfi, KwF's intrepid Executive Director, connected us via WhatsApp, and on the very day he wished me Happy New Year from the future (he in Africa, and I in North America), we got the interview on the books. What follows is a summary of our edifying conversation, offering a glimpse into Gabon's remarkable effort to position itself as a global leader in sustainable forestry, and the transformative potential of bioacoustics for precious ecosystems, like the Last Eden on Earth.
Q: What was it as a child that made you passionate about forests and conservation?
I was born in Gabon. Growing up in Gabon means growing up in a nation where over 90% of the land is covered in tropical forests. I was immersed in nature from an early age. This rich biodiversity, its rare species and pristine ecosystems, instilled in me a profound appreciation for the natural world. Witnessing first-hand the delicate balance of these ecosystems and understanding their intrinsic value inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to their preservation.
Q: Tell me about the forests of Gabon. What makes them so rare and unique?
The forests of Gabon are often referred to as "The Last Eden." This is a testament to their pristine condition and exceptional biodiversity. With one of the lowest deforestation rates globally, approximately 0.05%, these forests are home to a myriad of rare or endangered fauna, medicinal plants, and unique timber species. The government's commitment to sustainable forest management has been instrumental in preserving these ecosystems for generations, and balancing conservation with economic development. This dedication not only safeguards wildlife and the environment, but also supports the livelihoods of local and indigenous communities who also rely on forest resources.
Q: Gabon as “The Last Eden”—can you elaborate on this?
The forests in Gabon are part of the Congo Basin rainforest, which is estimated to be millions of years old - making them among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. These forests have evolved over millennia, and some parts of the Congo Basin are believed to date back at least 10 million years. "The Last Eden" accentuates Gabon's exceptional commitment to conservation and the preservation of our ancient ecosystems. In 2002, Gabon designated 11% of its land as National Parks. Activities like logging and poaching are strictly prohibited in all 13 National Parks. These protected areas serve as sanctuaries for wildlife, and are vital for maintaining ecological balance. There is a pressing need to enhance scientific research and expand partnerships to fully realize the National Park Program’s potential. Collaborations with international organizations and support for scientific studies, such as PhD research, are essential to deepen our understanding and strengthen Gabon’s national conservation efforts.
Q: I’m sure the National Parks of Gabon are incredible. How are they managed?
They are truly extraordinary, and the richness is so vast. Sustainable park management is the priority of the ANPN (Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux), the National Parks Agency, under a unified plan. These areas are entirely protected, meaning no extractive activities are allowed whatsoever, however poaching and illegal logging remain a significant threat. Buffer zones between the parks and nearby communities are designed to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, but there’s still much work to be done in engaging local communities in conservation efforts. There are lots of opportunities for collaboration in this area specifically.
Q: What is the most pressing challenge?
Human-wildlife conflict is very prevalent in Gabon due to the country’s high forest coverage (90%). For example, elephants frequently leave the forests and destroy crops and plantations in nearby villages. Logging activities and poaching are the primary causes of this aggressive and often violent behavior, as they disrupt elephant habitats and force them closer to human settlements. This causes a significant amount of frustration and fear of elephants in local communities, as killing elephants is strictly prohibited with violators facing a minimum one-year imprisonment. Addressing these conflicts requires persistent research to find innovative, sustainable solutions that balance the needs of local communities and the wildlife populations.
Q: What is the difference between poachers and hunters?
In Gabon, poaching refers to the illegal trafficking of wildlife. Poachers often kill wildlife and traffic parts, like ivory or skins, or capture them for exotic animal markets. Hunters in Gabon operate both legally or illegally, fulfilling the human consumption demand for wild game, or bushmeat. Gabon has a regulated hunting season from March to September, during which licenses can be obtained and hunters can hunt legally. Animals are classified into three categories: entirely protected (e.g., elephants, monkeys, etc), partially protected (limited quotas), and open (no restrictions). These regulations aim to balance sustainable hunting with wildlife conservation initiatives. Increasing rates of illegal hunting and poaching pose a significant threat to biodiversity, and consistently undermine national conservation efforts.
Q: Can you share more about your journey into conservation science, and what led you to focus on bioacoustics?
My passion for conservation guided me to pursue studies in forestry engineering and international forest management at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (Berner Fachhochschule BFH). During my Master's program, I was invited by the University of Wisconsin and Precious Woods to collaborate on a bioacoustics project in Gabon. We installed devices in forest concessions to assess biodiversity, providing an additional, non-invasive method to monitor wildlife. This technology fascinated me as it offered deeper insights into our ecosystems, complementing traditional methods like the camera traps. Forest companies also recognized its value and have been integrating bioacoustics into their biodiversity analysis and sustainable forestry strategies to achieve more comprehensive monitoring.
Q: What advancements in AI and bioacoustics technology would further enhance sustainable forestry and the national conservation efforts in Gabon?
Bioacoustics has proven to be an invaluable tool for biodiversity monitoring, surpassing the limitations of traditional methods. While my experience has primarily involved conventional analysis methods, I recognize the immense potential of AI and machine learning in bioacoustics analysis. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning can significantly enhance data analysis, allowing for real-time monitoring and more accurate species identification. For example, these technologies have the potential to automate the identification of species from acoustic data, and detect patterns that may be otherwise imperceptible to human analysts. Implementing AI-driven analysis can significantly reduce processing time while enhancing the accuracy of our findings, ultimately enabling more proactive conservation measures. There is also a need for advanced training and capacity building. Developing standardized protocols for data collection and analysis would improve the effectiveness of bioacoustics monitoring, facilitating better integration with other conservation technologies. Integrating AI will be transformative for sustainable forestry and conservation efforts in Gabon.
Q: What are forest concessions and their role in Gabon's conservation strategy?
Forest concessions are areas of forestland granted by the government to private companies or organizations for specific management and economic activities, such as logging. These concessions are regulated by Gabon's forestry laws and policies to ensure sustainable use of the forests while maintaining ecological balance. Timber production is a significant contributor to our economy, but the government ensures that concession practices align with sustainable development goals. Forest concessions are a cornerstone of Gabon’s strategy to position itself as a global leader in sustainable forestry. By requiring concessionaires to adopt responsible practices, Gabon ensures that its forests, part of the Congo Basin—the world’s second-largest rainforest—remain a vital resource for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and local livelihoods.
Q: Can you elaborate on sustainable forestry practices in Gabon?
Sustainable forestry in modern terms is a relatively new initiative in Gabon, with about 21% of forests currently under sustainable management. All of these are certified to international standards like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which are globally recognized frameworks that promote sustainable forest management. These standards ensure that forest concessions are managed in ways that preserve biodiversity, preserve and support the rights of local communities, and maintain economic viability while protecting ecological functions. They also provide assurances to international markets that timber products are ethically sourced, and encourage companies operating in Gabon to meet environmental and social standards, which align with the country's broader goals of balancing economic development with wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Meeting these standards has been very challenging, especially given stakeholder dynamics.
Q: What are the primary challenges?
The biggest challenge remains to put in sustainable forest management for all the concessionnaires in Gabon. This could be challenging as a substantial portion of forest concessions in Gabon are operated by foreign companies, particularly those from Asia, including Chinese entities. These companies are required to align their operations with Gabon's conservation goals and sustainable forestry regulations.. However, many of them are reluctant to adopt good sustainable forest management practices and become certified because their main market remains the Asian market, where demand for certified wood is insignificant. Ensuring that foreign operators adopt sustainable practices and understand Gabon's ecological priorities has been a tenuous strain on regulators in the face of expanding revenue margins. Many concessions have yet to obtain sustainable management certification (around 80%). However, the measures and tax benefits introduced by the government are encouraging many concessionaires to go ahead with certification. In its latest finance law for 2024-2025, the government reduced the area tax for concessionaires certified as sustainable management by XAF300/m3, while concessions certified as legal pay XAF600/m3 and non-certified pay XAF1000/m3. These tax measures have led several companies to become legally certified, which is an intermediate but necessary step towards achieving FSC or PEFC sustainable management certification.
The rising international demand for timber, wildlife products, minerals etc. further incentivizes illegal exploitation of Gabon's natural resources. For example, unauthorized logging within forest concessions is a major issue, driven by the high demand for valuable timber species such as Okoumé, Kevazingo, and other hardwoods. These practices often exceed sustainable harvesting limits, targeting protected areas or areas of unallocated concessions. The illegal mining activities are extremely damaging, destroy forest landscapes and contaminate water sources with mercury and other toxins, endangering humans, wildlife and plants alike. Illegal activities in forest concessions significantly threaten Gabon’s commitment to low deforestation rates and its status as a global leader in conservation.
Q: What are the solutions?
Encouraging forest concessionaires to obtain FSC or PEFC certification ensures stricter adherence to sustainable management standards. Collaborative efforts with NGOs, international research organizations, and local governments can further enhance monitoring and compliance. Technology such as drones, bioacoustics and GIS capabilities can aid in detecting illegal activities. Community outreach and local engagement in conservation efforts is also key. Empowering local communities through education incentives, and conservation-aligned livelihood programs can reduce the spread of illegal activities. Capacity building in Government staff can help to make sure the forest is protected and kept for the future generation.
As I wrapped up my conversation with Isaac, I found myself reflecting on the profound connections we share with the natural world. Isaac’s unwavering commitment to conserving Gabon’s forests—an irreplaceable repository of biological knowledge, life and resilience—was as inspiring as the towering trees he works to protect. The vision of blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge bioacoustics technology paints a hopeful future, not just for Gabon, but for conservation efforts globally, underscoring the importance of KwF’s Bioacoustics Research Initiative in Costa Rica.
An ocean away, in the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, KwF is expanding the vision by pioneering a new way to interpret the language of the natural world - the universal translator for sentinel species. By harnessing artificial intelligence to decode sentinel vocalizations, we are expanding the boundaries of what bioacoustics can achieve, offering scientists like Isaac a tool to amplify their efforts. Our groundbreaking work not only provides more accurate insights into biodiversity, but also enables real-time monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies that were once unimaginable.
With the rise of AI, we are now standing at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Isaac and countless others remind us that safeguarding the world’s last Edens requires more than science—it demands biological empathy, human collaboration, dedication, and a steadfast belief in the necessity of preserving our planet’s natural, autonomous heritage. Concluding this article, I am filled with a resonating sense of gratitude and urgency to continue this vital work. The oldest and largest rainforests on the planet may be thousands of miles apart, but their voices, and intonations—now captured, amplified, and understood—are closer than ever, urging all of us to listen, learn, and to act.
Further Reading: Rainforest Data Pool | BFH-HAFL, Bern University of Applied Science
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