Ebyeng Edzuameniene
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- Ebyeng Edzuameniene
ABOUT Ebyeng Edzuameniene
Ebyeng Edzuameniene
Ebyeng Edzuameniene Association (A2E) — encompassing the villages of Ebyeng, Edzuameniene, Adoué, and Minkouala — is a community forest management association working to develop income-generating activities beyond timber exploitation.
BOTF has made this association a pilot project for iboga plantations and other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) as part of the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.
In addition, BOTF supports a beekeeping initiative within this community, which produces not only honey but also beehives, propolis, and beeswax used to make candles.
Finally, the community is developing a traditional healing practice based on the “Mimbiri / Ziliang” (or “Bwiti Fang”) rite.
Overview
Context
A2E is a pioneering community forest association implementing the Nagoya Protocol in Gabon. It has become the flagship example of the legal, sustainable valorization of iboga.
2023 Actions
February 2023: Obtained the very first authorization to export an iboga sample (1 kg) in full compliance with the Nagoya Protocol.
August 2023: Granted an unprecedented authorization to export 100 kg of iboga root bark (in batches of 20 kg) in partnership with TerraGnosis (clinic in Mexico).
September 2023: First shipment of 20 kg, used in the clinic for patient treatment.
Construction of the association’s headquarters funded by the partnership’s revenue.
Direct revenue: $24,000 received, plus a contract guaranteeing 5% of the revenue generated by the TerraGnosis clinic.
2024 Actions
Continued legal exports (21 kg exported).
Plantation and conservation efforts: 3,508 iboga plants planted in 2024.
Development of complementary income-generating activities (beekeeping, crafts).
Installation of 5 elephant barriers.
Monitoring missions by BOTF (logistics, training).
Results
First major Gabonese victory in the fight against biopiracy.
International recognition (National Geographic, international conferences).
An inspiring model for other communities.
Challenges
Increasing iboga poaching.
2025 Actions
Distrust from Gabonese authorities (government transition).
Need to strengthen community management (administrative structuring required).
808 plants planted in 2025.
Total: 19,239 plants planted.
January 14, 2025: Shipment of 20 kg (package refused and lost).
Continuation of exports until the quota is fully used.
Consolidation of internal governance.
Valorization of other “useful plants.”
