Our Projects


Mapping of Gabonese community association projects supported by BOTF

How we work

with some partners

Promoting Gabon’s traditional cultures and social solidarity

Combating trafficking in fully protected plant and animal species.

Finances the deployment of electric fences in the context of the human-elephant conflict.

Preserving and defending the interests of the Bwete Missoko rite.

Promotion of the bwitiste tradition in Gabon and internationally, medicinal plant agroforestry, traditional healthcare and traditional crafts.

Agroforestry of iboga and other high value-added plants.

Management of a community forest working to develop income-generating activities other than timber harvesting.

Management of a community forest including agroforestry of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), livestock, fish farming, handicrafts and traditional care.

Management of a community forest including agroforestry of non-timber forest products, animal husbandry, artisanal fishing, traditional crafts and beekeeping.

Association dedicated to income-generating activities other than timber harvesting.

Defending the environment and the rights of local communities.

Dedicated to projects to enhance their cultural and natural heritage.

Dedicated to iboga agroforestry, beekeeping and traditional health care.

Dedicated to agroforestry of non-timber forest products and traditional care.

FAQs

Regular Questions

BOTF does not sell iboga nor own iboga fields. BOTF funds conservation and agroforestry projects for iboga managed by partnered Gabonese associative communities. If one of these communities wishes to commercialize iboga from their private (cultivated) land, we act as mediators for clients residing in countries where iboga is legal, provided they follow the Nagoya Protocol procedure.
BOTF does not organize initiation trips to Bwiti or other local traditions in Gabon. Some communities we work with may consider hosting initiation candidates from abroad, but we strongly advise against making this a major source of income and urge caution in selecting participants. It's evident that initiation tourism, in Gabon and globally, has its drawbacks.
BOTF is not currently seeking volunteers. If this changes, we will announce it on our website and dedicated Facebook page. Additionally, BOTF relies predominantly on Gabonese human resources.
At this stage, considering our finances and organizational size, we are unable to directly support new associative projects. However, if a duly constituted traditional and/or indigenous Gabonese association seeks development advice, we are open to dialogue and may place it on a waiting list if BOTF expands its management capacities.
BOTF works to preserve Gabonese iboga and other biological and intellectual resources essential to local ancestral traditions, preventing undue international capitalist and colonial expansion. We advocate for sustainable development and equitable sharing of wealth from the natural and cultural heritage of the Gabonese people. Our approach is driven by the need for reparations and rebalancing relations between Africa and the rest of the world, encompassing traditional Gabonese knowledge/practices and modern sciences.