Eramet and its Gabonese subsidiary, the Ogooué Mining Company (Comilog), announce the launch, through the Lékédi Biodiversity Foundation, of the “Gabon Green Génération by Lékédi” (3G by Lékédi) program. This innovative program, intended to raise awareness and train 1,200 students in grades 3th and second grade of four (4) high schools in Moanda and Bakoumba, initiated in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), aims to open up career prospects for young people in the field of the environment, for a more engaged generation and ready to act for the future of Gabon.
By integrating green professions and ecological entrepreneurship into its activities, the program “3G by Lékédi” intends to inspire a generation who will be able to combine passion for biodiversity and professional vocation, ready to actively invest in a greener and more sustainable Gabon, it is emphasized.
Students will thus be made aware of the challenges of climate change, with an emphasis on current environmental threats and the importance of adopting eco-responsible behavior. Their attention will be particularly drawn to professional opportunities in the fields of conservation, sustainable resource management and renewable energies.
The program sets several specific objectives, in particular: training young people in good environmental practices to encourage them to adopt daily actions that promote environmental protection; promote Gabonese forests and biodiversity by highlighting their ecological wealth and the importance of their conservation.
Other objectives are to raise awareness of the challenges of climate change by developing awareness of current environmental threats and to familiarize young people with environmental professions and green entrepreneurship, in order to encourage them to consider careers in this sector.
A strategic partnership for the future of Gabon
By joining forces with the WWF, with the essential support of the National Pedagogical Institute (IPN), through the collaboration of the Ministry of National Education, the Lékédi Biodiversité Foundation draws on educational and scientific know-how to develop sustainable preservation solutions adapted to Gabonese students.
This collaboration makes it possible to integrate a suitable educational booklet and ensure that the program “3G by Lékédi” aligns with local standards in environmental education and awareness. Thanks to this partnership, the program benefits from the expertise and institutional support necessary to raise awareness among young people of the importance of nature conservation to make Gabon a model in terms of preserving biodiversity in Africa.
Created in 2021 by Eramet, a responsible mining player committed to preserving the environment and Comilog in order to strengthen their commitments to protecting biodiversity, the Lékédi Biodiversité Foundation is based on four essential pillars: mobilizing additional resources to preserve Gabon’s biodiversity, fight against poaching, promote scientific research and perpetuate the actions of the Lékédi Park.
With 14,000 hectares, the Lékédi Park remains the only secure animal park in Gabon and is home to exceptional fauna and flora. Over the years, the protection of the site has allowed the development of local fauna, notably primates, but also less common species such as bush pigs, bushbucks, or forest buffalo.
The current inventory confirms the presence of around thirty gorillas and around fifty chimpanzees. One of the particularities of the park remains the strong presence of more than 500 mandrills, as well as rare and endangered species such as the giant pangolin, golden cats, panthers, false gharials and more than a hundred species of birds.
Partner associated with the program, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an independent nature protection and sustainable development organization present in 150 countries, has set itself the mission of stopping the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future where humans live in harmony with nature.
Established in Gabon in 1991, it invests in two priority landscapes: the Gamba Protected Area Complex and the Gabonese segment of Tridom.
Feeodora Madiba
*Source: Comilog
2024-11-12 23:33:00
#Eramet #Comilog #WWF #encourage #vocations #schools
**Interview with Émilie Sékou, Program Coordinator for the ”Gabon Green Génération by Lékédi” (3G by Lékédi) Initiative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Émilie. Can you start by telling us what inspired the launch of the “Gabon Green Génération by Lékédi” program?
**Émilie Sékou:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration for the 3G by Lékédi program stems from our commitment to environmental stewardship and the need to prepare the next generation for the challenges posed by climate change. Gabon is rich in biodiversity, and with that comes both responsibility and opportunity. We realized that by educating and training our youth, we can empower them to protect our natural heritage while also opening doors to sustainable careers.
**Interviewer:** That’s amazing! What specific goals does this program aim to achieve?
**Émilie Sékou:** The primary goals are to raise awareness among students about climate change and environmental issues, promote eco-responsible behaviors, and familiarize them with green professions. Specifically, we aim to train about 1,200 students from four high schools in Moanda and Bakoumba, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers that contribute to sustainable resource management and conservation of our forests and wildlife.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a comprehensive program. How does the partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) enhance the initiative?
**Émilie Sékou:** Partnering with WWF allows us to tap into their extensive expertise in conservation and education. They help us develop educational materials that are scientifically sound and locally relevant. This collaboration is essential to ensure that our program aligns with national standards and effectively raises awareness about the importance of nature conservation among young people.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on how the program integrates with the local educational system?
**Émilie Sékou:** Absolutely! We work closely with the National Pedagogical Institute and the Ministry of National Education to create an educational framework. This includes tailored booklets and workshops that not only incorporate environmental education but also reflect the specific conservation challenges faced by Gabon. We want to ensure the students are not only informed but also motivated to make a difference.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the long-term impacts you hope to see from this initiative?
**Émilie Sékou:** We believe the long-term impact will be significant. By fostering a generation of environmentally engaged individuals, we hope to see a shift in attitudes towards sustainability in Gabon. This program aims to create eco-conscious leaders who advocate for biodiversity conservation and contribute actively to sustainable development, ultimately positioning Gabon as a role model for biodiversity preservation in Africa.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for those insights, Émilie. It’s clear that “3G by Lékédi” is setting the stage for a greener future in Gabon. We look forward to seeing the impact of this initiative.
**Émilie Sékou:** Thank you! We’re excited about the journey ahead and the potential of our young people to transform Gabon into a more sustainable nation.
