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Africa's Eden |
| Leemansweg 15 BC Arnhem 6814 Phone: +31 (0) 26 370 5567 Fax: +31 (0) 26 370 5569 |
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Our website: http://www.africas-eden.com Based on the concept "Tourism pays for Conservation, Africa’s Eden offers a diverse range of tours and exclusive, comfortable accommodation for the passionate traveller looking for unspoiled, raw nature. Our current activities are based in Loango National Park, Gabon, on the islands of São Tomé & Príncipe and in the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve in the Congo Basin.The aim of Africa's Eden is to develop low-impact eco-tourism and conservation in west central Africa. The project offers small groups of tourists the opportunity to intimately experience the unique, diverse and intact eco-systems in west central Africa, whilst at the same time supporting research and monitoring studies for the conservation of these eco-systems. Africa's Eden has its own accommodations in: - Loango National Park, Gabon (Loango Lodge, Evengue Lodge & 3 eco-camps) - São Tomé & Príncipe (Omali Lodge Luxury Hotel on Sao Tome and Bom Bom Island Resort on Príncipe) Africa's Eden works together with: - Africa's Connection for regional aviation - Société de Conservation et Développement for research, park management and educational activities Africa's Eden provide services in the following countries: |
| Eco-tourism activities suspended in Loango National Park, Gabon - 24-August-2009 Gabon, August 2009 - In 2002, late President Omar Bongo Ondimba put Gabon firmly on the map as an important future eco-tourism destination by nominating more than 11% of the nation's territory as National Park to protect its vital rainforest and wildlife like the gorilla, chimpanzee and forest elephant. Seven years later, following the death of the President, a disagreement between the current interim government of Gabon and Société de Conservation et Développement (SCD SA) now prevents the country's main eco-tourism partner Africa's Eden from continuing its conservation-enabling activities in Loango National Park. "Sadly, due to the dispute between the current Gabonese government and SCD SA, we can no longer guarantee our guests a safe and convenient journey to Loango National Park," said Catherine Eviter, spokesperson for SCD SA. Consequently, Africa's Eden is forced to suspend its operations in Loango Lodge for international tourists until at least September 20th, 2009. She added: "Although our tourism operations will be suspended, we will continue making every effort to ensure there is no negative impact on our conservation projects in and around Loango National Park." SCD invests largely in Gabon's economy and nature Société de Conservation et Développement started operations in Gabon in 2001, with the aim of developing low-impact tourism and conservation in Gabon based around the concept of 'tourism pays for conservation'. Africa's Eden is the division that operates Loango Lodge and several eco-camps for tourists to have a unique experience in Gabon, while at the same time contributing to its nature conservation. As 70 percent of Gabon's country is covered by rainforest, an aviation company was started up around the same time to transport guests as well as supplies from the major capitals of West and Central Africa to the national parks in Gabon. Since 2001, SCD SA has invested over 15 million euro in the country's economy and created more than 300 jobs. It has also contributed almost 3 million euro towards conservation and wildlife research, independently and through renowned conservation organisations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Max Planck Institute. Grounded aircraft threatens to jeopardise Gabon's tourism industry At the end of 2008, SCD SA had developed an arrangement with the Gabonese government to restructure its aviation business, which had also grown into a reputable carrier for Gabonese residents and employees of oil companies. However, following the death of His Excellency the late President El Haj Omar Bongo Ondimba on June 8, the interim Gabonese government decided earlier agreements would no longer be honoured, making it impossible for SCD SA to continue operating its aircraft. As a result, passengers as well as supplies can no longer conveniently reach Loango Lodge and the eco-camps. Africa's Eden is considering various possibilities to resolve the situation and will keep clients fully informed of developments. Until that time, tourists cannot be accommodated in Loango Lodge. Power vacuum in Gabon? The day that the late President's death was confirmed, Hannah Koep, analyst at the Control Risks Group, explained: "Bongo's unexpected departure from office leaves a potentially dangerous power vacuum. Given his highly personalized style of rule, the as-yet unresolved succession question could lead to elite in-fighting and a political crisis." (Source: Reuters, June 8, 2009.) A mere two months later, SCD SA have run into difficulties with the Gabonese government. Did SCD SA get trapped in Hanna's feared power vacuum? For further information, contact: Catherine Eviter catherine.eviter@scd-groupe.com Africa’s Eden – The series Ultimate Africa airing on National Geographic wild UK - 31-July-2009 With conservation as its main concern, ultimate Africa is a documentary series hosted by South African safari explorer, Jean du Plessis. The show, which consists of nine episodes, takes viewers on a journey through Africa, exploring how anti-poaching efforts, as a part of conservation strategies, are helping to preserve the endangered wildlife and Eco-Systems of many African countries. Among other African destinations, follow Du Plessis to Gabon, where, with Africa’s Eden and the Fernan Vaz Gorilla Project, he experiences the efforts of these partnerships and the country to build a solid tourism industry which would help conservation activities to be sustainable. Jean goes from tracking un-habituated lowland gorillas and exploring wild beaches, to visiting one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls, the Kongou falls. To view details on the show and when it will air, visit http://www.africas-eden.com/Africas-Eden-Press-Corner-Press-Release.asp Africa’s Eden – Milestones in conservation activities - 25-June-2009 Africa's Eden—June 25 2009 We proudly share with you news on the progress of conservation activities that we have been involved in through our sister company-Société de Conservation et Développement (SCD). Case in point is the work of Robert Drewes, renowned Academy Herpetologist and Curator at the California Academy of Sciences. Dr. Drewes, along with 25 other independent researchers in different fields, has been studying the natural history of African reptiles and amphibians. With on-the-ground logistical and lodging support from SCD, his work has taken him to the gulf of guinea, through the thick rainforest and the rich biodiversity of the islands of São Tomé and Principe. Over the years, he has documented a myriad of critters endemic to the islands that were previously unknown to the scientific community. To read more please visit http://www.africas-eden.com/Other-conservation-projects.asp Africa’s Eden – Special Summer Promotion! - 28-May-2009 Africa's Eden, Arnhem, The Netherlands—March 2009 Africa’s Eden announces a special promotion on all its destinations this summer and for the rest of 2009. Visit Gabon, home to the western lowland gorillas. Encounter a wild and unspoiled natural environment characterised by wildlife rich forests and a coastline filled with different species of fish and marine mammals. In the Central African Republic, visit the Dzanga Sangha reserve and enjoy the view of forests clearings filled with forest elephants, sitatunga and buffalos. Beach and Chic savvy? Honeymooning? Then bask on the sandy beaches of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. Located just off the coast of west Africa, these two islands harbour a wealth of cultural heritage and an arsenal of hotspots that will find you wandering around waterfalls, secluded beaches, tropical forests-all the while encountering a whopping 143 different species of exotic birds, as well as whales gracing tidal waves that spread out into the Atlantic ocean. For further details on our special summer promotion, please visit the Africa’s Eden page… Africa’s Eden - Gabonese rainforest activist wins The Goldman Environmental Prize - 22-April-2009 Africa's Eden, Loango National Park, Gabon—April 2009 Marc Ona Essangui, founder and acting president of the environmental group Brainforest, is one of seven people from six continental regions to be awarded a share in the $900,000 2009 Goldman Environmental Prize. Bound to a wheelchair as a result of contracting polio in his early childhood, Marc Ona has been opposing the $3.5 billion Belinga mine development project inside the Ivindo National Park in Gabon, a place endowed by rich biodiversity, where forest elephants, chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas, and forest buffalo reside. This beautiful and pristine natural reserve that was one of Gabon’s 13 national parks created in 2002 by president Omar Bongo now faces a direct threat form the entrepreneurial activities of CMEC, a Chinese mining company. The Belinga project, which includes building roads to the Kongou and Mingouli falls and the construction of a hydro-electric dam, already underway, to provide electric power for the mining activities, has been the subject of fierce controversy. Environmentalists such as Marc Ona, protest the government’s inadequate assessment of the impact of such large industrial projects on the Ivindo park’s natural ecosystems and on Gabon as a whole. After enduring arrest, being barred from leaving the country and even eviction from his home as a result of his activism and opposition, Mr. Ona went on to demand a full environmental assessment and pushed for an alternative site outside the national park where mining activities could be carried out. Due to his efforts, the Gabonese government is now reconsidering the size of the Belinga project. The overall area to be affected by the dam has been significantly reduced and the the road originally planned to go through Ivindo Park has been rerouted to go through less of the protected reserve. Mr. Ona who pledges to reinvest some of his cash prize in the building of a local clinic and small businesses for local communities, has urged the Gabonese government to stay transparent in foreign investment deals and to fully investigate the impact of such concessions to national environmental heritage. The Gabonese government has since renegotiated its mining contracts on more favourable terms for the benefit of Gabon’s natural reserves and all ongoing mining contracts are currently on hold. SOUTH AFRICA’s VOETSPORE TEAM JOURNEYS FROM GANSBAAI TO GABON - 25-March-2009 Africa's Eden,Loango National Park, Gabon—March 2009—The Voetspore team of 6 involved in last year’s Cape Town to Kilimanjaro-Kilimanjaro to Cairo expedition is at it again! This year the Team journeyed from Gansbaai-bay of geese; one of the southern tips of south Africa, through the Kalahari desert, the Namibian West, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo up until Gabon. Armed with only Nissan 4x4 vehicles, the team wound its way through one of the continent’s most unforgiving terrains battling anything from Angola’s notorious Ninja gang, to driving through one of the biggest rainforests in the world. The team’s journey goes to Gabon, popularly coined Africa’s Last Eden. At the Loango National Park, with the hospitality of Africa’s Eden, they encounter forest elephants, forest buffalos, red river hogs and slender-snouted crocodiles which make up part of the fauna in one of Africa’s least known yet environmentally pristine locations. Later they fly to the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. On São Tomé they experience the island’s unique cultural heritage and secluded beaches. Next is Bom Bom, the resort on the island Príncipe characterized by exotic plants and exquisite birdlife. Being one of the primary fishing locations in the world, the team manages to hook eleven marlins. The epic journey of the Voetspore team to Gabon, São Tomé & Príncipe can be viewed on the SABC 2 channel on Friday March 27, April 3 at 18:00. Reruns air on Wednesday May 27, June 3 and June 19 at 14:30. Voetspore’s journey was supported by Africa’s Eden (www.africas-eden.com), a tour operator and ground operator, with its own accommodations in west central Africa. Africa’s Eden arranges exclusive trips to Loango National Park in Gabon and the islands of São Tomé & Príncipe, and recently also the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve in the Central African Republic. Visit our all new Press Corner for the latest news and episode schedules of Voetspore’s journey! http://www.africas-eden.com/Press-corner-africas-eden-default.asp Images: © Voetspore; Rey Janse van Rensburg & Gideon Swart. More information / images: Ms. Tienke Vermeiden marketing@africas-eden.com www.africas-eden.com Africa’s Eden wins The British Guild of Travel Writers’ Best New Overseas Project Award 2008 for Loango National Park in Gabon - 25-November-2008 Africa’s Eden, operator of Loango National Park in Gabon, has been named the winner of the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Best New Overseas Project Award 2008. To achieve this international prize, it had to prove it was of social and economic benefit and had management policies which minimise adverse environmental impacts. Breaking new ground Tourism was almost unknown in Gabon when Loango National Park began as a pilot project by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Africa’s Eden. Its overriding ethos was ‘ecotourism pays for conservation’. It followed the bold decision by Gabon's President Bongo in 2002 to designate 11 percent of his country as national parkland. Only Costa Rica had set aside more land. In 2007, Loango launched, opening the doors to 'Rainforest Africa'. A mosaic of grassland, rivers, forest and mangroves, Loango offers a unique safari experience on the African continent because the wildlife is so spectacularly varied – with whales, elephants, hippos, leopards, reptiles and primates galore. Visitors are accommodated in the ecofriendly Loango Lodge and five satellite tented camps and wildlife viewing is smallscale with pirogue trips, forest treks or savannah drives. “We will never have 20 Jeeps around a waterhole shining lights into animals' eyes,” says Rombout Swanborn, Director of Africa’s Eden. Five hundred Gabonese live in the area and nearly 100 have gained employment as ecoguides etc. Local farmers and fishermen now sell their produce to the lodge while their children study in a new school built by the park. “Loango is a shining example of how ecotourism can bring benefit to a community and promote conservation,” says Sarah Monaghan, Editor of Gabon Magazine. A pioneering project It is also an important base for scientific research, funded by tourism. NGOs such as the WWF are studying its whales, elephants and turtles while primatologists have begun a pioneering project to habituate endangered western lowland gorillas to tourists. Now the Wildlife Conservation Society is proposing the park as aWorld Heritage Site. As Lee White, Conservation Director for Central Africa, says: “Loango is an unmatched example of conservation on the back of a well-organised tourism infrastructure. It really is a model park.” Founded in 1960, the British Guild of Travel Writers is the premier association for travel publication professionals in the United Kingdom. It comprises some 300 writers, editors, photographers, producers, radio and television presenters. The British Guild of Travel Writers makes three annual awards for tourism projects: - Best UK Tourism Project - Best Overseas Tourism Project - Globe Award for Best Worldwide Tourism Project Nominators are asked to provide evidence that the project is of social and economic benefit to the local community and that it has management policies which minimise adverse environmental impacts in matters such as waste, energy, water use and transport. Projects are also expected to protect or harmonise with the cultural, built and natural environment. For more information visit: www.bgtw.org www.africas-eden.com CENTRAL AFRICA’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS ABOUT TO BE REVEALED - 28-August-2008 Go gorilla tracking to a habituated group of Western Lowland Gorillas, observe the timid forest elephant in the wild, ramble across the rainforest in the company of a group of Mangabeys and get to know the secret pygmy culture on a net-hunting outing… Africa’s Eden organises with great enthusiasm, unforgettable trips to West Central Africa through the concept “Tourism pays for Conservation”. From October 2008, Africa’s Eden opens up the Congo Basin to the world, allowing passionate travellers to discover the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve in the South of the Central African Republic, and connecting it to Loango National Park, Gabon and the islands of São Tomé & Príncipe. For more information, please visit www.africas-eden.com |
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