T he "Blue Bonds Gabon" project is an innovative financial mechanism that would allow Gabon to transform a portion of its public debt into investments for the conservation of its marine ecosystems. This mechanism would rely on alleviating the country's debt in exchange for a concrete commitment to the preservation of marine and coastal areas.

Project Functioning The mechanism consists of converting sovereign bonds into specific financing for the sustainable management of marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, responsible aquaculture, and the strengthening of environmental surveillance capacities. The investments generated by this project aim to support coastal communities, modernize the artisanal fishing sector, and promote blue innovation.

Objectives and Scope Gabon, which has already classified more than 26% of its territorial waters as marine protected areas, intends to make the blue economy a driver of responsible growth. The Blue Bonds project supports the national sustainable development strategy for the sea, fisheries, and blue economy sector, with an emphasis on youth entrepreneurship and the sustainability of fishery resources.

Partnerships and Implementation The project is carried out in partnership with international organizations such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which has signed an agreement with Gabon to support the implementation of the mechanism. The 2026 roadmap has been validated, and the first eligible projects, focusing on sustainable fisheries and the management of marine protected areas, will be financed starting in 2026.