Alexis Routhier
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Central African Republic launches the first-ever Dzanga-Sangha Day

Dzanga-Sangha, as a UNESCO World Heritage landscape and a living One Health model, brings people, wildlife, and forests together. The Central African Republic, with WWF and the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH), launched the first Dzanga-Sangha Day.

Where Forest elephants gather on open mineral clearings and lowland rainforest stretches like a green sea, Dzanga-Sangha stands as one of Africa’s most breathtaking conservation landscapes.

To honor this natural heritage, the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR), in partnership with WWF and HIOH, inaugurated the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA) Day with a high-level ceremony in Bangui on 18th November, followed by community celebrations in Bayanga for two days in November. Central African Republic President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, visited DSPA alongside senior officials, national and international partners, and community representatives, underscoring the national and global importance.

The DSPA Day is a celebration of the protected areas’ role in conservation, health, and sustainable development. It features presentations, a Bayanga Market, a One Health workshop, and field visits, showcasing how the DSPA unites nature, health, and community progress.

Fidelis Pegue Manga
Fidelis Pegue Manga
"The President’s visit was especially memorable as it marked the inauguration of the 'Papa' building. This new facility will host training courses, serve as an exhibition hall, and function as a museum—showcasing the knowledge young people gain from their elders and preserving our traditions."

Martial, Head of the local organisaiton Ndima Kali

Alexis Routhier
Fidelis Pegue Manga
Frédéric Singa
A living model of One Health and conservation

Nestled in the heart of the Congo Basin, the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas are a symbol of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, DSPA forms part of the Tri-National Sangha (TNS) transboundary landscape shared by Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and CAR. Globally celebrated as a living One Health model, Dzanga-Sangha links human, animal, and environmental health.

 

Stef de Bethune

"When we detect a health threat early, we prevent outbreaks. That’s One Health in action—it’s not just science, it’s saving lives."

Frederic, Veterinary Scientist and One Health Program Manager

A legacy of protection and innovation

Since 1990, CAR has safeguarded this ecological jewel through the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve. Its 2012 UNESCO inscription confirmed its Outstanding Universal Value. In 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government, WWF, and HIOH strengthened One Health surveillance in the protected areas, placing prevention, resilience, and community well-being at the heart of conservation.

What’s Next

The DSPA Day is just the beginning. With continued investment and collaboration, the DSPA aims to expand its impact, creating more jobs, improving health services, and inspiring other regions to adopt the One Health approach.

About us

DSPA is a pioneering conservation landscape that integrates biodiversity protection, community development, scientific research & training, and One Health. Governed through co-management between the Government and partners, and within the TNS regional collaboration, Dzanga-Sangha exemplifies high-impact conservation—locally rooted, globally relevant.