A Historic Agreement for the Management of the Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve in Chad
A public-private partnership between the Government of Chad and Sahara Conservation to protect a unique ecosystem
N’Djamena, 11 July 2025 – The Chadian Ministry of Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development and Sahara Conservation have signed a renewable ten-year management agreement for the Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve (OROAFR). This public-private partnership marks a decisive step forward for the conservation of this unique Sahelian ecosystem and the sustainable and effective management of the largest protected area in Chad.
A partnership built on over 20 years of collaboration
This agreement extends over two decades of close collaboration between Chad and Sahara Conservation, notably through the scimitar-horned oryx reintroduction project. It reflects the renewed trust of Chadian authorities in Sahara Conservation’s expertise and establishes a model of shared governance between the state and a dedicated conservation actor.
The Ouadi Rimé – Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve, a refuge for unique biodiversity
Spanning 77,950 km² (three times the size of Rwanda), the OROAFR is the largest protected area in the country and one of the largest in Africa. Established in 1969, the reserve was created to protect an exceptional natural heritage against increasing pressures. It is home to emblematic and endangered species such as the addax, dama gazelle, and scimitar-horned oryx.
However, the reserve faces multiple environmental and socio-economic pressures, including climate change, desertification, human activity, and dwindling natural resources.
Thanks to this public-private partnership, the Chadian government and Sahara Conservation are joining forces to strengthen the protection of this fragile ecosystem through a participatory and tailored approach that balances biodiversity conservation with sustainable development for local communities.
A joint commitment to sustainable reserve management
A development and management plan for the reserve, developed in 2022 in consultation with local stakeholders, identified delegated management as a strategic tool for effective and sustainable governance. It promotes an integrated conservation model, where biodiversity protection goes hand-in-hand with the development of local populations.
The signing of this agreement between the Government of Chad and Sahara Conservation concretizes a shared management approach tailored to the socio-cultural and economic realities of the region.
“The signing of this agreement marks a major step forward for the conservation of Chadian biodiversity. The Ouadi Rimé – Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve is a natural heritage of inestimable value, and it is our responsibility to ensure its preservation for future generations. This partnership with Sahara Conservation reflects our commitment to reconciling nature conservation and sustainable development, by actively involving local communities,” said Hassan Bakhit Djamous, Minister of Environment of Chad.
« With the signing of this partnership, we are grateful for the trust the Government of Chad has placed in Sahara Conservation to contribute to the future of this unique ecosystem. Sound and effective management of the Ouadi Rimé – Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve is essential to ensure the survival of some of the world’s rarest species, while preserving traditional livelihoods such as pastoralism. The natural and cultural heritage of the reserve is of global importance, and we are committed to supporting local needs and regional priorities with the support of our international partners,” said John Newby, Founding Member of Sahara Conservation, former CEO, and currently Senior Advisor.
About Sahara Conservation
Sahara Conservation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of the unique ecosystems and landscapes of the Sahara and Sahel.
Since 2004, we have been implementing sustainable initiatives to safeguard the natural and cultural wealth of the Sahara, such as the protection and reintroduction of endangered species, habitat conservation, and protected area management.
As a unifying actor in the region, Sahara Conservation works to build the capacity of local communities and support their active participation in the sustainable management of the region’s natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
In close collaboration with local communities, governments, scientific experts, and international partners, Sahara Conservation is also committed to raising awareness about conservation challenges across the Sahara and Sahel.
