Chad has reinstated management agreements with African Parks, a conservation group that includes Prince Harry on its board. This decision marks a reversal of last week’s announcement by the Chadian government to sever ties with the organization. Both Chad’s environment ministry and African Parks report that they have engaged in “a spirit of dialogue and co-operation” to restore the agreements “with full effect” while initiating negotiations for new partnership arrangements.
The reinstated agreements focus on the management of several key conservation areas, including Zakouma National Park, the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, and the planned Aouk project. African Parks will continue to finance and co-manage the protected areas in Zakouma and Ennedi, ensuring the Aouk project progresses until new agreements are finalized.
Last week, Chad’s government announced the termination of African Parks’ mandates, citing issues such as a resurgence of poaching, under-investment, and alleged breaches of contract. In response, African Parks indicated it was seeking discussions with the government to address these concerns.
The situation drew attention from the European Union, which stated it had suspended the implementation of grant-funded actions for a minimum of 90 days, declaring “force majeure.” This suspension followed the environment minister’s decision to terminate management and financing agreements with African Parks. The EU called upon African Parks to safeguard EU-financed infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles for potential transfer, while also requesting updates on discussions with Chadian authorities to evaluate the contractual implications.
The African Parks Network is known for managing parks across a dozen African countries, focusing on conservation and sustainable development. The recent developments highlight the complex interplay between national interests and international conservation efforts, underscoring the challenges faced by organizations trying to maintain effective management of protected areas in the region.
As negotiations continue, both parties express a commitment to working collaboratively, aiming to preserve Chad’s natural heritage while addressing pressing issues such as poaching and resource management. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the future of conservation efforts in Chad and the broader region.
