On the pristine beaches of Pongara National Park, near Libreville, the conditions seem ideal for nesting: equatorial climate, fine sand and gentle slope towards the sea.
However, the nests are threatened by coastal erosion, natural predators (crabs, birds), and human activities. "The chances of survival are extremely slim ," notes François Boussamba, a sea turtle expert. Four species—the green, olive ridley, hawksbill, and leatherback—come to lay their eggs there between October and April, making Gabon the world's leading site for the leatherback turtle, which is classified as endangered by the IUCN.
Since 2013, conservation efforts had benefited from American funding, but its suspension has significantly slowed operations on the ground. "There will be less staff, less data ," laments Edouard Moussavou, deputy director of the park. Even worse, the 580 eco-guards, essential to the protection of the turtles, are struggling to receive their salaries. "Even when the funds are available, we have to fight to get paid ," says Sosthène Ndong Engonga, secretary general of the eco-guards' union.
Despite these difficulties, volunteers like Clémence patrol every morning to check the nests. "The baby turtles need to strengthen their muscles before facing the ocean ," she explains. Alain Banguiya, an eco-guard since 2015, continues his nightly rounds despite two months of unpaid wages: "We have a duty to fight to the end. Despite everything, we remain committed to conservation."
