Ecotourism Development in Central African Republic Offers Economic Hope Amidst Instability
In the Central African Republic, particularly in the southwest region around Dzanga-Sangha National Park, ecotourism is emerging as a potential economic driver. Despite the country's reputation for instability, the park has seen a modest increase in visitors, with around 800 tourists in 2025. The park is known for its high density of forest elephants and a population of habituated lowland gorillas, which are major attractions. Local officials, such as Gervais Pamongui, a deputy director of the protected areas, attribute this growth to the park's natural appeal and a relative stability in the region. However, the benefits of tourism are currently limited, with employment opportunities confined to a small segment of the population. Challenges such as poor infrastructure and food shortages persist, and while revenue-sharing arrangements exist to support local services, the overall economic impact remains constrained.