key facts · water streams from reaching the ocean; blocked fresh waters intermittently break...

Pongara - Left - 1

PONGARA NATIONAL PARKDATE CREATED: 2002

AREA: 870 km2

LENGTH OF BEACH: 26 km

HABITATS: Beach, Lagoon, Mangrove,

Marine, Rainforest, Savanna

PROVINCE: Estuaire

NEAREST CITY: Libreville 1/2 hour by boat

STATUS: IUCN Critical Site, qualifies

Ramsar status

KEY FACTS

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WILDERNESS FOR LIBREVILLE

Pongara National Park is a wilderness area locatedonly a short boat ride from Libreville. For thenation’s most populous city, Pongara and AkandaNational Parks are the two best areas for recreationand nature experiences.

The concept for Pongara is to to create a “park for people” that produces

considerable revenue for Parcs Gabon operations. Tourism here should

encourage use by many groups and offer activities compatible with

nature. To increase accessibility and user volume, a new Welcome Center is

proposed in southern Pointe Denis, along with new hotels, cafés, and other

improvements, such as nature trails and enhanced park services.

If designed and built properly, Pongara is the national park most capable

of hosting a great number of people at once without undo stress on the

environment. In order to accommodate crowds while still protecting

nature, all construction and design must adhere to Parcs Gabon sustainable

"green" standards.

People will come to Pongara to enjoy the proximity of wild beaches

and great forest close to the capital. With aggressive anti-poaching patrols

Pongara’s animals will adjust to the presence of people - after which

tourists will also be able to see animals here.

LEFT: Pongara is a remarkable urban wilderness park with a spectrum of wildlife habitatsand a potential spectrum of different visitor markets to enjoy nature and ocean recreation.

FAR LEFT: A freshly hatched Leatherback turtle makes its way towards the surf.

PHASE ONE DEVELOPMENT

pongaraNATIONAL PARK

PONGARA NATIONAL PARK 106

Hundreds of Leatherback Turtles

emerge from the sea to nest

on Pongara’s beaches, mostly in

December and January. The coast

also provides nesting habitat for

other rare sea turtles.

Park ecoguides are being trained by

ASF and Gabon Environment, to show

mangroves, forests, savannas, and

beaches to visitors.

Several ferries run daily between

Pointe Denis and Libreville.

The village behind Pointe Denis

can benefit from more jobs and

economic support.

The Gabon Decouvert

lodge is a good

model size for future

10-cabin beachside

resorts at Pongara.

A clean ocean beach

provides wonderful

opportunities for

recreation for the

people of Libreville.

LIBREVILLE

AKANDA NATIONAL PARK

Gabon Estuary

CONIQUET ISLAND

PERROQUET ISLAND

POINT DENIS

POINT PONGARA

POINT NGOMBÉ

POINT OUINGOMBE

Lighthouse

Many weekenders have built

nice houses at Pointe Denis.

The local population can

benefit from the park, and the

park can benefit from them.

Ferry Route

This unused piece of land

is a good location for a

large hotel - it can be built

as a one or two-story

structure to fit in with

neighboring buildings.

The famous and honored Gabonese

chief, King Denis, ruled here

in the 19th century. His direct

descendents still live in the area.

Pongara needs an entry

facing Libreville. The park will

be accessible from lodges

after proposed improvements

to existing roads. An entry

location needs to be found.

107 PONGARA NATIONAL PARK

A Wilderness Next to the CityPongara is less than an hour from the main population center of Gabon buthas remained a wilderness. Thousands of hectares of Pongara’s mangrovesare full of shrimp and young salt-water fish. Its beach hosts nesting seaturtles. Its forests have remnant populations of monkeys, buffaloes,duikers, and even a few chimpanzees and elephants - even a few “surfinghippos” persist in the southern sector of the Park. Its shallow fresh pondshost their own small fishes and open grasslands have distinctive butterfliesand wildflowers. As home to characteristic Gabonese beauty, Pongara isthe perfect park to tour with visiting dignitaries.

The Park hosts another spectrum, that of the many kinds of people whovisit. From beachgoers near Pointe Denis on the north end, to weekendvacationers relaxing in hotels, and from fishermen in pirogues in theeastern mangroves, to nature-lovers on the beginnings of new visitor trailsfor walking, Pongara already provides for a wide range of users.

With increased visitor activities compatible with conservation, andacclimation of wildlife through aggressive policies for protection, a greatopen-space resource will become more available to the people...and evenhelp attract visitors to Gabon.

The Bois du Boulogne, Nairobi National Park, Hyde Park in London,Kirstenbosch in Capetown, and Central Park in New York are notableurban parks that are greatly used and loved by local people. Few of these,however, can bring urban populations as close to natural systems as well asGabon has done with the creation of Pongara National Park. The challengeat Pongara, as with all Gabon's national parks, is to find the best way toopen up for tourism and support the local economy without destroying thenature that makes a great park.

The oceanfront land south of

Pongara offers opportunity for

future ecologically-sensitive

developments near the capital.

Although close to thousands of

people, hidden wildlife still exists

in Pongara. With hunting bans

enforced, these animal

populations will rebound slowly.

Most of the salt-water fish in

LIbreville’s markets originated in

Pongara or Akanda’s mangroves,

where young fish develop before

moving out to open water.

Millions of crabs and

small creatures are the

components of healthy

ecosystems at Pongara.

Humpback Whales are more

common off the parks to the south

but pass by Pongara as well.

pongaraNational Park

An excursion to Pongara is the

ideal way to share Gabon’s natural

beauty with dignitaries visiting

the capital. Former US Secretary of

State Colin Powell visited Pongara in

2002.

Gabon’s coastal waters provide

impor tant feeding and

developmental habitat for

Green Turtles and Hawksbills.

Local conservation and education

programs related to turtles are

run by Aventures

Sans Frontières (ASF).


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MangrovesOnly a few kinds of trees are able to grow in salt water - mangroves being the most distinctive,

living in salty tropical estuaries around the globe. Multiple crab species are quickly noticed by

the observer. Each kind is a specialist - some climbing trees, some burrowing in the mud and

emerging at low tide, and some strictly aquatic. Mudskippers are actually highly refined fish that

hop out of the water like frogs to hunt for insects on land. They carry a mouthful of water to help

their gills breathe - almost the reversal of scuba.

Mangroves are fish nurseries for the sea. The maze of intertwining, anchoring roots stabilize the

shore from storms and erosion, while providing shelter for billions of crustaceans and juvenile fish.

SavannaA narrow strip of grassland extends south to Congo, perched on the sandy soils of an ancient

sand dune that extends parallel to the sea. Surrounding trees try but fail to invade this savanna,

apparently rebuffed by the savanna's well-drained sands (too dry for trees) and periodic

grassfires that scorch tree seedlings. Biodiversity would drop if either forest or savanna were to

win entirely.

Pongara's savanna hosts multiple wildflowers, insects and migratory birds, but one will have to be

quick to spot a herd of shy Red River Hogs. Family groups emerge from the forest to seek food in

the grasslands and rooting places in muddy areas.

RainforestCoastal tropical forest is one of the many forest types in Gabon. At Pongara, a rich mosaic

of trees is adapted to live in sandy soils, often interspersed by a strip of coastal grassland that

creates a forest-savanna mosiac of habitats used by many animals.

Several kinds of primate - including chimps, Red-capped Mangabeys, and even gorillas - still

live in Pongara’s forests; with protection from hunting they will become more visible. These are

charismatic animals that visitors will want to see in Gabon.

SIX INTACT HABITATS OFFER A SPECTRUM OF WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES


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OceanCommon Dolphin and several other kinds of dolphin live in or migrate across the ocean next to

Pongara. Shelled sea turtles find Pongara a romantic place, traveling from as far away as Brazil to

breed and nest on the beaches of Gabon from October to March.

Marine fish populations are important to Gabonese fisheries, and are threatened by illegal fishing

activity. Commercial fishing boats are increasingly being recorded inside the boundary of Gabon's

waters (3 nautical miles from the beach), especially to the waters south of Pongara. Not only do they

remove Gabonese fish in large volume, but their trawlers are a major cause of sea turtle decline -

and Gabon needs to preserve Leatherback Turtles for tourism.

BeachGabon is internationally known for its seaside wildlife. Even though close to the nation’s largest

city, many animals are still active on Pongara’s beaches. Hippo tracks can sometimes be found,

and crocodile tracks appear on the beach between coastal lagoons and the ocean, not far from

Ekwata. Hundreds of adult Leatherback Turtles lay their eggs at Pongara, most just south of

Pointe Denis. Leatherback hatchlings make their way to the sea after emerging from nests on the

beach. Gabon’s coast provides habitat for other sea turtle species as well.

Seabirds including several species of terns hunt the shallow waters and dive for minnows.

Damara Terns, a severely threatened species, frequents Gabon's coast in the nonbreeding season.

LagoonA narrow strip of brackish lagoon forms behind the sea beach where the sand dunes block fresh

water streams from reaching the ocean; blocked fresh waters intermittently break through the beach.

The few families of Red-capped Mangabeys that remain at Pongara might be seen foraging for

ghost crabs and fruit near the lagoon.

Palm Nut Vultures are common, seen on high perches over the lagoon, ready to fly to the beach to

look for washed-up fish, then to the nearby forest to look for palm fruits. Most of the working

ecosystem is made of untold interactions between myriad tiny invertebrates and plants, a system

of unseen wonders.

PONGARA NATIONAL PARK


Recreation for the Libreville Area

Pongara offers exceptional recreational activities for people in the nearbycapital city. A new visitor center with services and shops will make thepark more accessible, while increased park use generates income. Naturetrails and guided exploration will encourage discovery. School trips shouldbe organized (possibly with corporate sponsorship), and educationalmaterials for all ages will be provided at area businesses. Discountedannual park memberships will be available for frequent users.

ABOVE:The new visitor center and park entry,proposed at Point Denis, will welcome peoplefrom land and ferry. Cafés and souvenir saleswill be near the visitor center. This entry locationwill benefit the community by bringing incomeand opportunity to Point Denis.

RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: At the entry, visitorswill find information kiosks, join tours byboat or land vehicle, and rent mountain bikesand kayaks. Use of quad bikes is restricted.

LEFT: Camping platforms will be available tovisitors. Temporary, elevated structures arelight on the land.

VISION

WCS & cresolus

NEW ROADSA new road system within thepark will allow access for hotels.

HHHHHCHCH

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BLUE WATERFurther down the coast, thewater becomes clouded from theOgooué River, but here the wateris a beautiful blue.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTLands south of the park can bezoned for future development,following Parcs Gabon guidelinesfor sustainability.

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ENTRY TOWERA distinctive entry tower will face the capital,attracting attention to the Park. Nearby hotelsand restaurants exist in Pongara and Libreville.A specific site needs to be found.

Gongoué

Pointe Pongara

Pointe Ouingombé

Pointe Ngombé

5 kmBuffer Zone

ToW

onga

Won

gué

Regular Ferry Service

QUAD COURSEAn area will be set aside for recreational useof quad bikes. Proposed rules prohibit quadbikes in other areas of the park.

PROPOSED LODGINGThere is sufficient space onthe western beach to add newhotels and camping areas, eachhaving a spacious concession.

Lighthouse

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Equator

3Nau

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Mile

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Fish

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Only

6Nau

tical

Mile

s– Nat

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ing Onl

y

Additional ferry transportation is anticipated for increased visitor numbers. Gabonese will celebratethe prosperity developed by tourism.

Making Wilderness AccessibleACCOMODATING PEOPLE WHILE PROTECTING NATURE

The plan for Pongara is to maximize park use without causingenvironmental damage. Success will be achieved with minimal impact ifnew developments are planned, built, and operated in harmony with theland. Mangrove areas will be left wild, as insurance for Gabon's fisheries.

At least four new hotels (20 beds each, with restaurants) at designatedsites in the park can attract visitors for a stay near the beach. These areplanned as Parcs Gabon concessions, 1 km each, spaced approximately5 km apart for privacy.

An additional new hotel is proposed with space for elegant receptions andmeetings. All hotels must be built following stringent sustainableguidelines, including minimal tree cutting, composting toilets, solargeneration to minimize dependence on petrol, and beach setbacks and lightcontrol for turtle protection. More intensive development is appropriate atthe point itself.

All tour vehicles must follow strict guidelines against driving off-road."Quad bikes" will be allowed in designated areas only (with a user fee).These vehicles damage the delicate ecosystems, which presents costs toParcs Gabon. Jet skis will not be allowed in the park.

As the capital expands and Pointe Denis grows, oceanfront land aroundNyonie, between Pongara and Wonga Wongué, is likely to be pursued forsecond homes. The fastest route to this area would be through park land.Thus Parcs Gabon should initiate a road toll at the dock for vehiclestraveling from Libreville to the south of Pongara. As the south bufferarea develops, toll fees could be a valuable source of park operating funds.

PROPOSED TOLL ROADA proposed toll road for vehiclesdriving through the park, in transit tothe south, will raise funds for the park.

MANGROVESThe mangroves of Pongara National Parkare an important breeding ground formany marine fish species that aresignificant to the local economy.

FISHINGSustainable artisanal fishing to beallowed within the park as a legalexception to no-fishing rules.

Igombiné

Igombiné

5 kmBuffer Zone

DOCK IMPROVEMENTSInfrastructure improvements to theLibreville docks will benefit touristsand the many others who use the area.


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0 5 10

Km

15 20

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GABON PARKS (1)

PARK AREA

PARK INFRASTRUCTURE (1A)

ENTRY

OFFICE

PATROL

RESEARCH

AIRSTRIP

CONCESSIONAIRE ZONE (2)

CONCESSION

PROPOSED HOTEL SITE

PROPOSED HOTEL(Site to be Found)

EXISTING HOTEL

PROPOSED CAMP SITE

EXISTING CAMP SITE

AIRSTRIP

VILLAGE ZONE (3)

VILLAGE ZONE

OFF LIMITS ZONE (4)

NO GO ZONE

BUFFER ZONE (5)

BUFFER

TRANSPORTATION

MAJOR ROAD

MINOR ROAD

UNIMPROVED

PROPOSED ROAD

TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

TRAIN

TRAIN STATION

KEY

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Novel Nature TrailVISITORS CAN EXPLORE SIX HABITATS

A multi-kilometer, interpreted nature walk is proposed; it begins at theentry tower. In one outing, visitors can explore a series of six habitats - aslice through all of Gabon's coastal ecosystems - in fun and educationalways. The trip begins with a short mangrove boardwalk that gets one closeto shy crabs, underwater fish, and mudskippers. Next is a "What wenthere?" game on the beach, then a treetop canopy walk to see birds.Guided night walks bring visitors to the beach to look for sea turtles.This project is perfect for sponsorship by a high-profile corporation orinternational donor. Ideally, funding will include both constructionand ongoing maintenance.

5 The mangrove boardwalk is partly covered to hidepeople and reduce reflections, so visitors can get

close to a Fiddler Crab waving his claw or a Mudskipperpatrolling a patch of mud. “Why do animals do thesethings?” Informative panels provide answers.

4 Walk through the savanna to look for wild buffaloesas well as wildflowers and birds in the grass. The big

animals are rare and shy.

1 In the lagoons look for big animals ata distance and small fish up close.

2 A beach guessing game with identifiedcasts of animal tracks nearby to help

find answers. "What went here? Was itreally a hippo?”

3 Scan the ocean with a telescope. Useplayful graphic signs to learn about the

environment. Signs might include messagessuch as, “Some of the ocean fish we eat grewup in the mangroves right here!"

6 Climb into the treetops to explore therainforest canopy, with hidden feeders

for touracos, weavers, and sunbirds that bringthe birds close. The final layout for the naturewalk will be sited in the field.


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New Visitor Entry PROVIDING EASY PARK ACCESS FOR THOUSANDS

The plan for Pongara encourages widespread use by many groups —Gabonese citizens, schoolchildren, residents and tourists from abroad.A new park entry and observation tower should be built so that it is visiblefrom many kilometers to greet visitors. Park towers are planned as adistinctive icon of Parcs Gabon's international marketing.

At this entry, a small village of cafés and rental concessionaires will alsoprovide visitors with access to environmental interpretation, park services,routes to new nature trails and Pointe Denis, places to rent kayaks andtents, and places to meet guides and tour vehicles.

ABOVE: Special Pongara t-shirts and gifts should be locally designed and made to sell to visitors.Many tourists want to buy mementos of their trip.

TOP LEFT: A distinctive park entry tower can welcome guests, charge entry fees, and provideorientation and information. Concessionaires nearby could operate a souvenir shop and café, as wellas rentals for boats and camping platforms. Open sandy grassland nearby has capacity for largeoutdoor celebrations and events.

FAR LEFT: Most visitors would arrive at the welcome site via a new ferry landing, which functions asthe official gateway to Pongara National Park.

LEFT: Pongara is quickly becoming the “Jackson Hole” of Gabon, but careful planning and sensitivemanagement are needed to ensure that development follows a Parcs Gabon master plan and issupported by the Friends of Pongara association.

VISION

WCS & cresolus


Building at the BeachsideENSURING GOOD BEACH EXPERIENCES

Other countries have had severe problems with overdevelopmentbecause they did not place limits on development when they had theopportunity - this is especially true of popular beachfront sites. Thailandand Mexico, for example, experienced intense resort development thatcaused serious problems later. In the end, nature was lost and thegovernments had to deal with expensive costs of sewage repairs.

Gabon’s objective is to build sustainably - to encourage development thatis economically profitable and allows a high quality of life for people,while protecting nature and open spaces for everyone. There must alwaysbe uncrowded beaches to ensure habitat for wildlife and space for people.

HOW TO SITE CAMPING WITHOUT CROWDING THE BEACH

Some overnighters camp because they prefer to, while others camp becausethey cannot afford hotels. A range of platforms where visitors can put theirtents will be available from concessionaires at Pongara's new park visitorentry. Tent rentals will also be available.

No tents will be allowed directly on the beach, but they must be setback into the vegetation on simple wood platforms that keep peoplecomfortable above the ground and away from animals. Campsites will beclustered in groups so that sites can share showers and toilet facilities, andcan easily be supervised. Parcs Gabon’s website (and ads in backpackerpublications) will publicize Pongara and how to get here.

refuse centralpoint

beach kept openfor everyone

camping in designatedareas on platforms

fire pits and precutwood to be provided aspart of fee

central toilets andshower provided

All buildings must be set back at least 15meters from the beach top (where vegetationbegins) to retain a natural strip of low vegetationbetween buildings and beach. New hotels caneasily be set back into natural vegetation toobscure white lights that can disorient seaturtles. Turtle tourism offers significant benefits.(See Mayumba chapter.)

Only use red light on the beach. Bright lightscan deter female seas turtles from comingashore to nest and can disorient turtles alreadyon land. Adults and hatchlings navigate theirway to the sea by ambient light reflectingbrightly off the suface, but artificial lights canmistakenly lead them inland where they will die.Red lights do not seem to disturb turtles, henceonly red lights should be used near the beachat night, especially after 10 pm.

Use only downlights to keep the beach dark,and minimize beach activity during nestingseason. Turtles need our help - they are mostvulnerable to harm when on their nestingbeaches. Turtle-friendly lighting and activity isrequired for the planet’s increasingly scarceplaces where turtles still nest successfully.

Remove clustered logs that can trap turtles,and lines of logs that prevent turtles fromreaching the upper beach, which is best fornesting because it is safely above the hightide line (the tide will ruin nests). Recycle thisvaluable seasoned, dry wood (“turtlewood”) foruse in construction. By using a local material,one uses much less petrol and energy than byhauling materials from a distant location. Thisis part of “green” design, which includes energyefficiency.

Gabon's beaches are one of the most important sites in the world for vanishing sea turtles, especially the world's largest species, the Leatherback Turtle. A natural setback for buildings and nightlighting that keeps the beach dark is an important way to help ensure safe conditions for turtles to nest on the beach. This, in turn, attracts visitors to see the phenomen of nesting and hatching.

HOW TO BUILD “TURTLE-FRIENDLY” AT PONGARA

Some overnighters cannot afford hotels,and some prefer camping. A range of platformswhere visitors can put their tents (and renttents) will be available as concessions atthe new park visitor entry. Camp sites will beclustered in groups with shared showers andtoilet facilities, in a supervised area.

AT LEAST 15 M

WCS & cresolus


The Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge in Costa Rica is a

successful model of sustainable design, combining

“green” construction and social conscience.

It is built 100 meters from the sea on high

ridges that catch natural breezes. Careful

site planning was used in construction,

and building materials harmonize with

the surrounding environment. The hotel

contributes to the community by hiring

local people and providing support for the

school. Guests at the lodge engage in the

environment via rainforest hikes, birding, ocean

kayaking, catch-and-release sport fishing, and surfing.

Building for SustainabilityINCREASE VISITATION BUT RETAIN “WILD” FEELING

The western side of Pongara National Park can accommodate at leasteight small hotels and a few new camping sites without crowding andruining the park’s wilderness feel. A “wild” feeling relies on designs thatblend into the land.

With architecture that is camouflaged in the landscape, new hotels inthe park will not be highly noticeable. All sites must keep large nativetrees (over 10 meters) in place to provide shade and camouflage. Allconstruction must be set back at least 15 meters from the vegetation lineon the beach for turtle safety (and for aesthetics). Structures must beno higher than the treeline (a minimum of 2 meters below adjacentvegetation), and all must leave existing low beach vegetation, which isneeded to physically anchor the beach. Cleared vistas must be no morethan 5 meters wide, 5 meters apart. Natural vegetation also serves thepractical purpose of hiding security fences. Any or all trees/vegetation tobe removed or trimmed must be approved in advance by Parcs Gabon.The contractor must fence off tree protection areas before construction(also to be approved by Parcs Gabon). All structures must use organiccolors and materials to naturally blend into the landscape.

Twenty beds, an ecotourism standard, is the maximum size for eachhotel. Each concessionaire must follow sustainable design guidelines forarchitecture, and for roads, docks, entries, service areas, and all other builtelements. Strong restrictions protect people and wildlife, and representParcs Gabon’s expectations clearly and fairly.

ABOVE: New sustainably designed hotels will be a proud new component of Pongara National Park. This suggested design includes setbacks from beach to protect turtles, protection and incorporation ofexisting trees for natural cooling, buildings separated for privacy (wanted by mid- and high-end tourists) and here even has a shade structure roof for midday insulation and integration into nature.

Some existing architecture at Pongara sets a bad example. It is built directly on the beach and itsbright, unnatural color makes it stand out too much.

BADEXAMPLE

GOODEXAMPLE

Other existing architecture at Pongara sets a good example with buildings set back from the beachand organic natural colors. This blends into nature and is barely noticable.

LEARNING FROM COSTA RICA

VISION

WCS & cresolus


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BETTER TOMORROWS THROUGH BUILDINGECOLOGICALLY TODAY

Sustainable or “green” design is a widespread current global movement inarchitecture, increasingly widespread because of its ecological logic, itslong-term cost efficiency, and its ethic to support local materials, peoples,and climates. Rather than reflecting a consumer culture, it means livingbetter by living sustainably with nature. Here it doesn't need to look likea machine, but can be and look comfortable (even luxurious), meld withnature, and have a fresh feeling of modern and traditional Africa and ofnature all around. Some of its applications at Pongara are demonstratedin the design for Le Crabe Fantôme.

EMPLOY NATURAL BREEZES NOT AIR CONDITIONING.To save on energy usage, buildings are elevated, ceilings are high and windows to the seaare large to catch every breeze.

BUILD IN SHADE OF TREES.To keep buildings cool they are sited under existing tall trees for midday shade. Mostcontractors make the mistake of removing trees.

USE AIR SCOOPS ON THE ROOF.In Arab tradition, funnels on the roof can direct cool air down into the rooms, increasingnatural cooling. Modern ones rotate to catch even more breezes.

USE CEILING FANS OPERATED BY SOLAR PANELS.Another easy way to avoid costly air conditioning is to use ceiling fans to keeping peoplewithin comfort zones.

INSULATE THE ROOFS.To keep interiors cool, use wide overhangs, thin plans for ventilation, east-west axis, plusbuild with double roof construction (moving air between layers) or with an insulating earthroof using native plantings.

BUILD TURTLE-FRIENDLY.Keep beaches dark at night by keeping natural low vegetation between buildings and beachto block hotel light from spilling to the beach and disorienting turtles. Use down lights forfootpaths too.

USE WATER-FREE TOILETS.Modern technology, with more than a decade of success, has proved that composting toiletswork just as well, save water, don't have odors and don't send septic water into the groundof a great national park.

USE BIOFILTRATION.Don’t send shower and kitchen water to septic systems directly, but use biofiltration tankswith natural aquatic vegetation that organically removes excess nitrates.

USE SOLAR PANELS.To generate the main electric power use roof panels. Noisy generators (that always needpetrol) are used for backup only.

USE NEW WIND TURBINES.Coastal areas have natural breezes. Use new quiet, small wind generators for power.

BUILD WITH LOCAL MATERIALS THAT DON’T NEED DISTANT TRANSPORT.Recycle materials. Here well-seasoned “turtlewood” is available on the beach and itsremoval helps turtles. Use portable mills to cut on the beach.

DON’T USE TOXIC MATERIALS.“Outgassing” is a common problem for new buildings made with materials like certaincarpets and paints that incorporate toxic solvents.

SITE CARE DURING CONSTRUCTION.In preconstruction, protect the groups of major trees so as not damage them and to protectthe site against erosion during construction. Do not level the site to create an initial levelplatform to build on - working with existing grades also preserves subground drainage andretains microclimates.

USE PERMEABLE PAVINGS.Minimize runoff, minimize heat buildup and maximize groundwater rechanging by notusing hard, impenetrable walking surfaces. Keep roads narrow.

USE SETBACKS AT THE BEACH.Buildings are set back at least 15 meters from the vegetation line. This is for both turtleprotection and for aesthetics.

What is sustainable design?

INSULATED ROOF

WIND TURBINESSOLAR PANELS

BIOFILTRATIONSYSTEM

FILTERATION(NON-CLORINE)

WATER-FREETOILETS

LOCAL MATERIALS(“TURTLEWOOD”)

SOLAR WATERHEATER

ECO-SWIMMING POOL


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Glamourous beach LodgeLE CRABE FANTÔME...A LUXURIOUS NEW HOTEL

Among the new lodges planned for the beach could be a luxuriousrestaurant and exclusive ten-room hotel with a large private receptionand banquet room facing the sea. At Pongara, designers envisionLe Crabe Fantôme, a glamorous beach lodge. The Libreville marketcan sustain a such a place for business workshops, private receptions,and elegant weddings.

Le Crabe Fantôme is named after the beautiful phantom or ghost crabsthat are so distinctive of the great beaches of Gabon. The crab's elegantform would serve as an icon for this luxury beach hotel with modernnature as its theme. Gabonese artists would create abstractions of crabsfor décor. Spacious rooms with high ceilings would face the sea, theirtall white curtains catching every sea breeze.

Great columns would be made of recycled "turtlewood" from the beachbelow. This grand small hotel will become a model for combining high-style contemporary Africa with sustainable design, not only inspired bynature but helping nature.

LEFT AND BELOW: Le Crabe Fantôme is designed to be as beautiful and pristine as nature - integratingsustainable “green” design plus unique experiences. The lodge proposal includes a site that overlooksthe sea, an open design to catch sea breezes, and construction with "turtlewood" from the beach. Highceilings will give a sense of luxury and comfort, while lessening reliance on electricity. The artist'sphotosketch here shows possible interiors with tall open rooms that encourage natural breezes

RIGHT: Elegant elements of African design are ideal for Le Crabe Fantôme. Modern use of traditionaldesigns subtly tell guests that they have arrived at a unique place in Africa. Room decor mightinclude functional designs like the sparkling lightposts at right. Light is trapped on the roof of thebuilding and redirected into rooms via reflective tubes. These solar tubes allow natural light, therebycutting down the need for electricity while adding an attractive element of design.

VISION

WCS & cresolus


Family Fun in the ForestUNIQUE NATURE EXPERIENCES

As part of a global trend toward experience-based entertainment andtourism, Le Crabe Fantôme will offer visitors much to do - rainforest trails,canopy walks, boat trips, fishing, guided trips for animal viewing, nighttrips to the beach for turtle watching. Pongara's main nature walk is notfar. Much of its market may also be day visitors for activities andrestaurant use. Yoga and massage might be included in hotel services.Rather than just passive experiences, the lodge will stimulate activeparticipation in nature. Less than an hour from Libreville, it will be theperfect site for business seminars and conferences, with a special parlorbuilt for meetings and multimedia presentations.

Imagine a ribbon pool that meanders into the forest, disappearing around great trees. Visitors can swim through the rainforest as if in a wild stream.New biopool technologies eliminate the need for heavy chlorination, allowing an ecologically safe pool.

LEFT: The lodge will cater to a wide range ofvisitors, from local families to internationalvisitors in Libreville for business conferences orpersonal holidays.

BELOW: There will be many little discoverieshere. In the swimming pool, visitors will find ahabitat for rare killifish. In nature, shallowfreshwater rivulets are frequented by small,brightly-colored killifish that live in tinytemporary pools. Fresh-water fish aficionadosin Germany, Japan, and the USA recognizeGabon for its many endemic killifish species.

Le Crabe Fantôme: Indoor and outdoor space intermingle, with the private banquet and eventrooms able to separated from the hotel and family areas. Multiple rooms overlook the sea:reception area, dining room, bedrooms and event areas. The ribbon pool and canopy walk helpintegrate this sustainable architecture into nature. Everyone from Libreville, tourists too, will love aweekend at Le Crabe Fantôme, as people like things to do. Additionally many tours will do bookingshere as a first or last night in Gabon, a place for guests to unwind in a deluxe setting in naturethat's close to the airport.

DINING MAIN BAR

SLIDE (FAST)CABIN

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RECEPTION, OFFICE,LIBRARY,COMPUTERS

CONFERENCE, BAR,MULTIMEDIA

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Champagne au ForêtLUXURIOUS FUN EXPERIENCES IN NATURE

Le Crabe Fantôme, proposed for the beautiful area where rainforest meetsbeach, uses a themed approach to high-end tourism by integrating natureand elegant design. Little more than an hour's boat trip from the capital,the hotel will seem a world away. Le Crabe Fantôme is designed as a small10-room luxury hotel with activities for families and tourists, and it willattract other customers by offering unique experiences in outdoor/indoorprivate reception and banquet spaces. Le Crabe Fantôme will develop anoutstanding reputation.

Everything will seem part of nature here. Elegant outdoor reception roomsextend to the beach or into the forest, even up to a canopy walkway withhidden feeders to lure sunbirds, hornbills, and bright starlings. A wildstream will be incorporated into the wall of the reception room, enhancedby attractive local freshwater fishes and turtles. Nature-themed experiencesand art will be woven into every event - formal business workshops onweekdays, glamorous weddings and private parties, or weekend familyvisits. For business meetings, technological equipment and extra meetingrooms are needed. The hotel must be created with multiple groups in mind.

ABOVE: Le Crabe Fantôme will be a distinctiveplace for receptions and business meetingsnear the capital - special for being part of theforest, with explorative whimsical elements.

LEFT: Ascend up to the treetops to see birdsand even monkeys from a short canopy walk.

RIGHT: Elegant ghost or phantom crabs fromthe nearby beach provide inspiration forfurniture and interiors, an expression ofGabon’s new way of integrating local nature withsustainable design. In contemporary Parisstyle, hotel chairs could be sculpted of clearlucite to resemble phantom crabs.

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Beach Tourism Needs Clean BeachesBEACH CLEANUPS FOR TOURISM AND TURTLES

Oceanside tourism requires litter-free, sewage-free, petroleum-freebeaches. Pongara is the closest beach to Libreville, however muchof the beach is littered by tons of non-biodegradable plastics that werecarried to shore, where they have lasted many years. Moreover, debris onthe beach can trap turtles that have come ashore to nest. Pongara needsto follow the example of Loango in cleaning its beach of litter.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED IN PARKSFor guest experiences and wildlife protection, Jetskis are prohibited and quad bikes allowed only inspecified areas of Pongara NP. Only individual riders like the noise.

RIGHT: Imagine a major volunteer effort fora beach cleanup at Pongara. It would removethe tons of plastic and non-degradable refusecurrently polluting the beach...the world’s trash,thrown overboard. The future beach would beclean of debris, ready for visitors. The issue ofdriftwood logs remains, however. Over 10,000logs on the beaches south of the capital havebeen counted by airphoto surveys. Clutteredlogs are more than a visual nuisance, for theypose danger to nesting sea turtles. The logs arevaluable too. As seasoned hardwoods they canbe recycled for construction, especially if littledamage is done to beaches when logs areextracted. Recycling logs as "turtlewood" isan ecologically friendly option for recycling inconstruction of park buildings and hotels, butbeaches must not be damaged when extractinglogs. Portable mills are best, to cut the logs onsite. Logs can remain in on the beach inLibreville where they are important for anchoringthe beach from erosion. Libreville does not hostnesting turtles, but at Pongara turtle protectionis extremely important.

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VISION:AFTERA major beach cleanup at Loango National Park

by Operation Loango removed tons of plasticsand other non-biodegradable litter. The clean-up team collected and burned up to 3,000objects per day.

Trapped by logs as it tries to find a dry place tonest, a sea turtle is doomed. Turtles cannotback up and they die in the hot sun. Logs alsoblock turtles from reaching the highest drysands which are safest for nests. In this case,females are forced to nest close to the seawhere eggs are destroyed.

Erosion and human influences on fragilegrasslands are already damaging the nationalpark. Off-road driving needs to be prohibited,and regulations enforced.


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Empty Park Ready For AnimalsNEEDS FOR HUNTING TO STOP IN PARKS

Pongara National Park has experienced excessive hunting. Pongara’schimps, elephants, buffaloes and monkeys are either gone or hiding.Tourists are beginning to be lured to Gabon by spectacular magazinephotographs of animals, but wildlife is invisible in many places and badvisitor experiences result. To develop a strong national program fortourism to stimulate Gabon's economy and jobs, wildlife hunting mustbe legally phased out in many places. A hunted animal benefits only thehunter, but the living animal can be valued by hundreds of people. Withincreased enforcement of "no hunting" in parks, Pongara's wildlife willslowly come back (as they have at Loango National Park). With years ofprotection from guns and being chased by fast vehicles, the wild elephant,buffaloes, and beautiful pigs at Loango are starting to allow vehiclesnearby. They fear a person in a car less than one on foot.

In comparison to Pongara, the buffaloes and wild pigs in large fenced fieldsat Lekedi (near Franceville) have learned that people are not dangerous.Close photography is possible. It is not too late for the animals at Pongara.

Tourism development requires a multi-year, phased plan for enforcedelimination of hunting in parks, and surrounding buffer zones, plusreduced consumption of commercial bushmeat. If the nation of Gabon isto become the global leader in opening Africa's great Equatorial Rainforestto the world's tourists, Gabon needs an integrated, phased plan forstopping hunting in parks and other key areas.

WILDLIFE TOURISM IS IMPORTANT ECONOMICALLY

Nature tourism is critical for the economics of many nations. TheInternational Ecotourism Society reports that 80% of travelers to Kenyacome to see wildlife, and 60% of South Africa's visitors come for gamedrives and nature reserves. Almost one-half of visitors to Peru tour naturalzones, and one-third of Australia's tourists are ecotourists.

LEFT: Today Pongara's grassland appearsempty with only poacher trails through theempty grass. Tourists want to see wildlife.The future for Pongara can include herds ofRed River Hogs and Congo Buffalos visible fortourist vehicles and leopards and monkeys onforest trails - but only after hunting has stopped.It is a slow process for animal numbers tobuild up (unless animals are translocated fromelsewhere). Without hunting bans, tourismwill be slow too.

TOURISM NEEDS ANIMALS UP-CLOSEPongara’s buffaloes immediately run upon seeingpeople. This is a problem for tourism until wefind ways to aggressively stop hunting inour parks and accustom animals to theharmless presence of people nearby. Thishas been done effectively elsewhere. Tocompete with other wildlife tourismdestinations, Gabon’s wildlife needs to getused to the clicks of cameras not of guns. Gabonwill not compete successfully in the ecotourismmarket if its animals run from people in fear.

To build tourism, Gabon needs a multi-yearphased plan to stop hunting in key areas.Current hunting levels in Gabon are abovesustainable levels for certain animals,especially primates (due to low birthrates).Research indicates that 25,000-35,000 tons ofbushmeat are consumed in Gabon each year, 50% more than can besustained. Much of this meat is commercially sold in urbanmarkets—a luxury that Gabon cannot sustain. Additionally, peoplecan become ill by eating primates; we are so genetically similar thatdiseases can be transmitted from primates to humans.

Tourists have strong negative reactions to hunting, and tourisminvestors know this. At the Overseas Private InvestmentCorporation’s 2004 Conference on Gabon Tourism, the largesttourism investor in Africa, said he came to Gabon to inspect andinvest -but he is waiting until hunting in parks is eliminated andbushmeat consumption is not evident to tourists.

LEARNING FROM ZAMBIALarge numbers of high-end touristsnow go to Zambia to see wildlife andphotograph Savanna Elephants and manyother animals up-close in parks where they

are not hunted. Gabon can learn from this.

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key facts · water streams from reaching the ocean; blocked fresh waters intermittently break...

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