The illegal exploitation of natural resources by international criminal networks, exacerbated by climate change which drives habitat loss and forces communities into illegal activities for survival, undermines Central Africa's stability, economy, biodiversity, and peace. The region's rich primary forests and exceptional biodiversity make it especially vulnerable to these challenges. Combating environmental crime, particularly in transboundary areas, requires a coordinated, innovative, and sustainable regional response.
It was in this context that the regional conference “Integrated management of transboundary landscapes and the role of protected areas in border security in Central Africa” was held in Brazzaville from May 28-30. 2025. Building on prior initiatives such as the preparatory meeting for the African regional preparatory meeting for the Basel, Rotterdam, the Stockholm (BRS) COPs in 2022, and the Transfrontier Forum of Cameroon-Congo-Gabon in March 2024 in Ebolowa, this event gathered 35 experts and representatives from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo and Gabon.
Participants represented various government ministries from the four countries – justice, water and forests, environment, foreign affairs, customs, police, and gendarmerie- all key stakeholders in addressing the complex challenges of environmental crime.
The primary goal of the conference was to strengthen cross-border cooperation and coordination among security and conservation agencies, to safeguard these ecosystems, which form the economic and social backbone of local communities. Discussions focused on practical actions: harmonizing legal frameworks, establishing judicial cooperation mechanisms, and deploying advanced surveillance technologies.
The conference resulted in a clear roadmap, organized in phases through 2025 and into2026, to establish a Regional Eco-Security Cooperation Agreement. The key milestones are:
- Phase 1 (June – August 2025): Consolidation of results, creation of a Restricted Working Group (GTR), drafting of the agreement, judicial cooperation protocol, and a guide for joint patrols, supported by UNODC, COMIFAC, UNEP, and the European Union. These tools will provide a solid legal framework, turning regional dialogue into action on the ground.
- Phase 2 (September – November 2025): Launch of national consultations to gather input into the Regional Eco-Security Cooperation Agreement.
- Phase 3 (December 2025 – February 2026): Validate text of the Agreement with regional officials in preparation for the regional summit where the Agreement will be adopted.
- Phase 4 (March or April 2026): Formal adoption of the new Regional Eco-Security Cooperation Agreement during the regional summit, planned to take place in Libreville, creation of a Regional Coordination and Monitoring Unit (URCS), and ratification schedule
- Phase 5 (From May 2026): Full implementation of the Agreement, deployment of operational mechanisms, and regular monitoring and evaluation.
The Brazzaville conference and the commitments made at the event, directly contribute to a tangible action plan, setting the stage for concrete outcomes to address transboundary environmental crime. The Conference provided a platform to establish pathways toward effective regional cooperation, emphasizing the importance of translating strategic dialogue into real-world impact, such as reducing illegal logging, dismantling criminal networks, and protecting vital ecosystems.
More information: unep-ecosystems-congoforests@un.org