Libenga. 13/12/07; Likouala; 59,409 ha; 02°51'N 018°00'E. Located in the north and extending to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the level of River Oubangui, the site consists of River Libenga (325 km long), marshes on both sides of the river, small streams, floodplains, and swamp forests. It plays an important role in biodiversity maintenance, hydrological regulation, and socio-economy of the zone. The river is an important refuge for the hippopotamus population coming from River Oubangui where they face some threats. A wide variety of endemic and migrant fish species inhabit these waters, and the prairies around the river serve as a refuge for some migratory birds (Marabou Stork and Pelicans) and migratory buffalos. The river is important for local transportation. Fishing and palm wine exploitation constitute the main economical activities. The site has no management plan at present but benefits from national and local resource management measures such as restrictive hunting seasons and limitation of exploitation of certain zones to clan residents. River Libenga continues to benefit from the program of control of aquatic invasive species that was initiated by the government in 1998. Ramsar site no. 1743. Most recent RIS information: 2008.