Chad reestablishes his relationship with Prince Harry’s environmental initiative
The environment ministry and the charity said Friday that Chad has resumed management agreements with African Parks, the conservation organization whose board includes Prince Harry of Britain, and started negotiations on new arrangements for cooperative administration of ongoing projects.
The action reverss the Central African nation’s decision to sever its relations with the organization last week.
As they negotiate new partnership agreements for Zakouma National Park, the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, and the proposed Aouk project, the two parties said they had participated “in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation” and restored the agreements “with full effect.”
Until new agreements are completed, African Parks will continue to fund and co-manage protected areas in Zakouma and Ennedi and continue to move on with the Aouk project, the statement stated.
Due to a rise in poaching, underinvestment, and suspected contract violations, Chad declared last week that it was terminating the organization’s responsibilities.
African Parks stated at the time that it was looking to have conversations with the government.
Declaring “force majeure,” the European Union’s envoy to Chad stated last week that it has halted grant-funded actions for a minimum of ninety days following the environment minister’s intention to discontinue management and finance agreements.
In order to analyze the contractual consequences, the EU urged African Parks to protect EU-financed vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure for possible transfer. They also asked for updates on discussions with Chadian authorities.
Parks in twelve African nations are overseen by the African Parks Network.
