Other indicators for legal timber trade of Gabon

Bans & quota

Gabon has an export ban on logs and roundwood since 15 May 2010.

CITES and protected species

In Gabon, there is currently one type of wood listed in Appendix II of CITES, namely Kévazingo (Bubinga), of which 3 species are listed (Guibourtia demeusei, Guibourtia pellegriniana and Guibourtia tessmannii). The export of this species is subject to additional CITES requirements. However, since the end of 2015 the exploitation of these species has been prohibited (Decree No. 347/MPERNFM/CAB and Decree No. 00099/PR/MFE). The following 4 species are listed as protected from exploitation since January 1st, 2009 for a period of 25 years (decree n°0137/PR/MEFEPA):

• Afo (Pogaoleosa)
• Andok (Irvingiagabonensis)
• Douka, Makoré (Tieghemellaafricana)
• Moabi (Baillonnellatoxisperma)

Decree no. 350/PR/MPERNFM of 7 June 2016 outlines the conditions in which Ozigo can be harvested.

National action on timber legality

Gabon is negotiating a VPA with the EU, and negotiations started in September 2010.The new Minister, Mr. Lee White, has recently expressed interest in resuming VPA/FLEGT negotiations with the EU through a letter to the EU dated December 2019.

The draft Forest Code that had been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration was withdrawn by the current Minister to take into account the new concerns, namely:

• Environmental issues
• Sea fishing issues