The elephant in the room: 5 ways to reconcile conservation and development in the Congo Basin

In 2022, in the sweltering heat of Gabon’s rainforest, an elder voiced a community’s frustrations: “Mr President, you’ve protected the elephants, but who protects us? Our fields are trampled, our children go hungry. If these elephants are so important, perhaps they should be the ones casting ballots in the next election, because it seems our voices are not being heard.”

This plea captures a fundamental challenge facing global conservation. While protecting biodiversity is crucial, current approaches often overlook or marginalize local communities, viewing them as either obstacles or passive participants.

Gabon’s conservation policies – initiated by President Omar Bongo at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, advanced under President Ali Bongo, and now upheld by the transitioning government led by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema – have earned international acclaim. But they have also imposed significant costs on local communities living alongside wildlife. As elephant populations thrive, people are left grappling with destroyed crops and damaged property; a situation that mirrors challenges faced across Africa, where the economic benefits of conservation often bypass those most closely concerned.

Yet the Congo Basin, Earth's second-largest rainforest, offers an opportunity to change this dynamic through bio-innovation, transforming conservation into a path for economic growth that benefits both nature and its inhabitants. The Congo Basin's carbon sequestration services alone are valued at $55 billion annually; 36% of the region's GDP, according to the Center for Global Development. Five emerging opportunities could turn this natural wealth into tangible benefits for local communities while addressing global challenges in biodiversity, medicine and climate.

1. Ibogaine: revolutionizing addiction treatment from Gabon's forests

Gabon’s rainforest shrub Tabernanthe iboga is a game-changer in treating addiction and PTSD. Clinical studies reveal that a single dose of ibogaine, the medicinal compound synthesized from the plant, can dramatically reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. With the global addiction treatment market valued at $9 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $16.7 billion by 2033, Gabon has a unique opportunity to capitalize on this natural resource, transforming it into a profitable industry while addressing critical global health challenges.

2. Oklo reactors: powering the future with ancient energy

In Gabon’s Haut-Ogoué province lies a unique geological marvel: the Oklo natural reactors. Two billion years ago, uranium deposits here achieved something extraordinary, a self-sustaining nuclear reaction, the only known natural occurrence on Earth. The commercial implications extend far beyond scientific curiosity; these 16 reactor sites offer practical applications for modern nuclear engineering. Engineers studying Oklo's natural containment mechanisms are developing safer waste storage solutions for next-generation reactors. With the global nuclear market projected to reach $42.9 billion by 2028, establishing a research centre at Oklo could position Gabon as a leader in nuclear research science while creating high-skilled local employment opportunities.

3. Prunus africana: the Republic of Congo's natural health goldmine

The Republic of Congo is home to Prunus africana, a tree whose bark is highly valued for treating prostate disorders. Over-the-counter retail value of the trade in Prunus africana herbal remedies is estimated at $220 million, with demand continuing to rise. By implementing sustainable harvesting practices and processing, the Republic of Congo can tap into this lucrative market, providing economic opportunities for local communities, while conserving this important species.

4. Biodiversity in DRC: nature’s pharmacy

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s vast rainforests are a treasure trove of unique plants, including Ancistrocladus korupensis, which shows promise in treating HIV. The global pharmaceutical market is projected to reach $2.25 trillion by 2030, offering immense opportunities for bioprospecting: the search for new natural resources from which treatments can be derived. By investing in sustainable research and development, the DRC can unlock new treatments, while ensuring that local communities benefit from the commercialization of their natural resources.

5. Sustainable timber and resin: CAR's path to eco-friendly prosperity

The Central African Republic’s rich hardwood forests are a source of valuable timber and resins like gum arabic. The global lumber market was valued at over $250 billion in 2023, with projections indicating continued growth. CAR has the potential to leverage its natural resources through sustainable logging and resin extraction practices. This approach not only boosts the local economy, but also ensures the long-term preservation of the country’s forests.

Beyond these examples, numerous other nature-derived resources within the Congo Basin hold immense potential for economic development, conservation and community empowerment:

The elder’s words are a powerful reminder: Conservation cannot succeed if it sacrifices the very people it should protect. The time has come to redefine our approach. We must ensure that the protection of nature is intertwined with the prosperity of those who live within it. This is not just about preserving wildlife; it’s about creating a future where both nature and humanity can thrive together.

The case of the San people in South Africa is a salutary lesson in this regard. The San traditionally used the hoodia plant to suppress hunger during long hunts, but it was later patented for use in diet pills without initially recognizing or compensating the Indigenous community. After protests, a benefit-sharing agreement was reached, ensuring that the San people received financial benefits. This case underscores the importance of respecting traditional knowledge and ensuring that local communities are fairly compensated for their contributions.

Similarly, the recent World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge offers a framework for ensuring that local communities benefit from the commercialization of their natural resources. By aligning conservation efforts with the principles of this treaty, Gabon and other Central African nations can protect their biodiversity and empower their people.

The Congo Basin ecosystems are rich with resources that, if managed sustainably, can provide economic opportunities for local communities without sacrificing environmental integrity. By embracing this new paradigm, we can protect the region’s incredible biodiversity, while also ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for its people. The time to act is now, and the path forward must honour both the richness of nature and the resilience of the communities that call it home.