| Development is always a fine line between environmental preservation and human subsistence. As countries develop, this line naturally becomes blurred but in Gabon, Siat has maintained it for the benefit of all. |
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The 40 employees who work the cattle farm support their 350 or so family members who live in the small village there. These were just some of the happy children I shook hands with while walking around the village. |
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With a sprawling 100,000 ha (247,000 acres) ranch, Siat has supplied central housing to the employees so they can live with their families. This little one was happily competing with the chickens for some rice. |
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There was also a well-stocked market to buy goods. It is more than an hour’s drive to the closest town. |
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Most impressive though, was the subsidized infirmary. When we were there, this doctor was treating three people for malaria. Normally, the villagers would just sweat out the fever and hope for survival. |
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With only imported beef available in Libreville and selling for $42 /kg ($19 /lb), this truck delivers locally raised meat and makes all the above economically possible. |
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All this is wonderful but how do 20,000 cows help the environment? Siat set aside 34,000 ha (84,000 acres) as a reserve to protect the remaining local wildlife. Besides the above grey parrots, this also includes elephants, chimpanzees, lowland gorillas, buffalo, and mandrills. |
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This is our farewell shot with the man who has made all this possible. Thank you for taking care of so many people, protecting the environment, and providing affordable beef to Gabon. |
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| I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. May you all eat as well as we are in Paris tonight. |
