From Rainforests to Revenue: Lessons from Gabon

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In this episode, we continue our series on Liberia's Climate Finance and Carbon Markets with the Special Envoy on Climate Action and CEO of the Carbon Market Authority, Hon. Jeanine Cooper. We're also joined by Senior Advisor to the President of Liberia on Investment Financing and Development, Christian Dunbar.

The second instalment of this series looks at how Gabon, a Central African nation similar in population and ecology to Liberia, serves as a prime example of how forest protection can generate economic value. Covered in nearly 90% rainforest, Gabon’s forests are not only stunning ecosystems but also substantial carbon storage systems that absorb millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. For decades, Gabon prioritised forest protection over agriculture and rapid development.

In 2019, Gabon signed a landmark agreement with the Central African Forest Initiative, supported by Norway. This agreement committed up to $150 million in payments over ten years, contingent on Gabon’s genuine emission reductions from deforestation. This was performance-based climate finance.

This episode explores the historical context of Gabon, and how Liberia is utilising new mechanisms and structuring their forests to capitalise on developing the nation in a sustainable fashion.

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