Trouble in Belinga: An Update

Gabon in west-central Africa has been endowed with a vast wealth in minerals, including oil, magnesium, uranium, gold and iron. Sadly, their exploitation, along with large-scale commercial timber extraction has led to the destruction of much forest, and the marginalization and impoverishment of forest based communities including an estimated 20,000 "Pygmy" peoples.

Estimated at one billion tonnes, Belinga (near the Ivindo National Park in central Gabon) is one of the richest remaining iron-ore deposits in the world. Exploitation of this mine which begin as early as 2011, and the government's plans envisage the construction of a 560km railway line linking the mine with the coast, a deep sea port and two hydro-electric dams to power the project. The $3 billion dollar joint venture between China state owned CMEC Corporation and the Gabonese government has been the subject of growing controversy, particularly around its social and environmental impacts, and a lack of transparency about the terms of the deal. Local activists - such as Marc Ona, president of RFUK partner organisation, Brainforest - who have questioned the likely benefits of the project to Gabon's population, have faced serious intimidation and harassment, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, ransacking of offices and recently their temporary imprisonment on charges of attempting to ‘destabilize the state'.

The proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam in the Ivindo National Park has been the source of much concern. Known for its rich biodiversity, endemic species and fauna including sizeable populations of lowland gorillas and forest elephants, the area is also home to the most spectacular waterfalls in the equatorial forests of Africa, the Kongou Falls. The project also poses severe risks to the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

Before preparing an environmental impact assessment as is required by Gabonese law, CMEC has already started the construction of a 42km road and built a workers camp in the National Park. A 1960's study by Electricte de France (EDF) into the feasibility of the dam concluded that it could cause an environmental disaster - by submerging fishing camps and local sacred sites, affecting river flows, and destroying fish and animal migration. Local activists have also expressed alarm over the mining concession itself which threatens large areas of previously intact rainforest and the contamination of vital water systems.

A study carried out by Brainforest and RFUK has found that there has been no attempt to engage or consult with local populations. In a country which remains poor despite its great natural riches, this has raised questions about what purpose and whose interests the exploitation of Belinga would actually. Civil society groups have refuted government claims of mass employment, have sought public disclosure of the contract with CMEC, and have demanded that feasibility and environmental studies take place.

Thanks to the bravery of local activists like Marc Ona, an international campaign placing pressure on the government has now led to the temporary suspension of the project, pending impact studies and the possible renegotiation of the contract. After a major international campaign, which was supported by several influential US senators, Marc Ona has now been released from detention, and will continue the fight to ensure the protection of Gabon's environment and the rights of its people.