This study highlights the ups and downs of nature conservation in Gabon's national parks. It focuses on the covetousness and controversy surrounding Mwagna National Park. Nature conservation is a global priority. Every country must contribute to it and make it a factor in sustainable development. And national parks are a proven means of preserving biodiversity: a national park must be a factor in sustainable development, ensuring the protection of flora and fauna, promoting economic development and integrating local communities while respecting their customs and traditions. Achieving these objectives brings together a wide range of players in the same area. Although the common goal is to protect biodiversity, the divergent perceptions and uses of nature (forests, waterways and natural resources) by each stakeholder can become a considerable obstacle to reconciling the elements of conservation, development and local culture.