Chad Ends African Parks' Management of National Reserves: A Shift in Conservation Strategy

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On October 6, the government of Chad officially terminated its collaboration with the South African NGO, African Parks Network (APN), which had been managing the country’s national parks. The Environment, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development Minister, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, cited a significant increase in poaching and a severe lack of investment in the parks as primary reasons for this decision. Additionally, the minister highlighted substantial difficulties in cooperating with African Parks and accused the organization of not adhering to the terms of their partnership agreement.

Since 2010, APN had been in charge of Zakouma National Park, and later expanded its management to include Siniaka-Minia Park and the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, starting in 2017. Founded in 2000, the NGO committed to the protection and conservation of wildlife within these areas and also worked to boost tourism activities there. By the end of 2024, APN was operating in 13 African countries.

However, criticism has arisen regarding the NGO’s methods of conservation. Over a four-year investigation, it was documented that APN employed practices that were deemed ‘neo-colonial’. These included militaristic approaches, land privatization, and the expulsion of local populations.

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Following the announcement, the Chadian government expressed its openness to exploring other initiatives and partnerships to manage its protected areas.