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Gabon is relatively new in tourism, let alone ecotourism but by encouraging this new industry, large tracts of land are being conserved across the country. At one stage, 99% of the country was due to be deforested but by creating several National Parks, the country has taken a step in the right direction to preserving these incredible forests, protecting areas of endangered species and improving the chance for the wildife. They are minimal when you take into account how much of the country is forested but it is better than nothing at all.
There are various multi-national logging companies throughout the country and some at least do have stricter policies on logging and do not strip the entire land bare but are selective in the tree species that are chopped down.
The various wildlife projects and conservation efforts are generating more jobs within the country, especially in and around the national parks. Locals, some of whom previously made a living through poaching, have been trained as guides, have jobs in various lodges and research stations and are being taught English.
This is positive towards increasing the education and awareness to the Gabonese of the importance to protect the forests and the wildlife within and encouraging continued tourism.
Certain camps in Gabon are more eco friendly than others in the attempts to conserve the environment. Ivindo camp for instance has eco loos, no chemicals are leaked into the environment and only bidegradable soap is available for the washing of yourself or clothes.
The directors of this company went to university together and met up again when they were travelling. They started doing tours to Vietnam in 1996 and were so successful that they expanded to many other destinations. Their company now employs 170 well-travelled staff who can advise customers on how to put together the perfect itinerary. They share the same no-nonsense, honest approach and ensure anyone who travels makes the best use of their time and budget. The amount of research that goes into these trips means you get to see the slightly quirkier places and can travel at your own pace.
Listen to the podcast below:
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
