People of the Gamba Complex

35 small villages, about 9,500 people

The Gamba Complex is home to around 9,500 people. The majority, roughly 7,500 people, live in Gamba town, which is located in the heart of the Complex. Their presence is mostly linked to the oil industry.

Oil and gas exploration and production concessions are located in the reserves between the 2 parks and offshore.

Village life
Some 35 small villages and settlements with populations ranging from 15 to 350 people are located within and around in the Complex.

Villagers depend on fishing and agriculture on the western side of the Complex, and agriculture and some bushmeat on the eastern side.

Communities working for conservation
From the very beginning of WWF's presence in the Complex, the local population has shown a great concern for the future of its extraordinarily diverse environment.

WWF staff includes people from most of the villages around the area, and families are proud to have a son or daughter working for conservation. The village chief of Sette Cama says "We have a tradition of conservation, which is why you can still find so much diversity in our forests and savannahs."

There are often conflicts and frustrations when dealing with environmental regulation, mainly regarding human/wildlife conflict issues, but the local people are very willing to work toward sustainable economic development, while keeping conservation principals in the forefront of their planning.

What species are found here?