Botanists document Gabon's biodiversity to prevent species loss

Botanists in Gabon are systematically cataloging the nation's diverse plant species to ensure their preservation. Director Archange Boupoya and his team at the Sibang botanical garden estimate that 7,000 to 10,000 plant species exist in the country, with approximately one-tenth currently under threat.

Working alongside the Missouri Botanical Garden, researchers discover an average of 10 new species annually during forest surveys. This ongoing project aims to document Gabon's flora, as the Congo Basin region acts as a vital carbon-absorbing green lung for the planet. The findings are meticulously archived to protect the country's largely mysterious and exceptional natural wealth.

Editor's note: Extremely concise, captures the core activities and figures accurately without any padding.