The association · Achievements
Thirty years
of commitment.
A non-exhaustive record of Ebando's activities and achievements since 1996. Festivals, films from the BBC to France 2, university seminars, a 5,400 km Tour of Gabon, support for artists and for first peoples. A memory kept in a low voice.
Ebando — under its historical name Association Nature Culture Ebando (A.N.C.E.) and then in its current form since 1999 — has carried or contributed to a multitude of projects. Some brief, others spanning several years. Some widely covered by the media, others invisible. This page is a record, not a showcase.
All the actions mentioned are documented in the association's archives and verifiable through its partner institutions (Omar Bongo University, WCS, BBC, Discovery, National Geographic, Cité de la Musique, Musée d'Aquitaine).
Stay wary, and seek advice from bodies that uphold a moral compass rather than personal financial gain.
— Ebando — on discernment in the face of charlatanism
1996 — 2018 · The thread of deeds
One deed after another, without noise.
Founding of the Nature Culture Ebando Association
The Gabonese association that preceded Ebando (A.N.C.E.) is founded in Akanda in 1996, three years before the NGO was officially established under its current name. A presence each year at the Nuits Atypiques festival in Langon, with a “Spirit of the Forest” stand.
Engagement of 22 Gabonese artists in the USA
The association helps secure contracts for 22 artists from the Equator circus, aged 16 to 25, for a 24-month engagement in the United States with the Ringling and Barnum circus. Funding: Ringling Barnum, December 1997.
Nuits Atypiques festival in Langon
Two traditional Gabonese musicians (aged 35 and 60) take part in the Nuits Atypiques festival in Langon in July–August 1998. Co-funded by A.N.C.E. / Déclic Circus / Les Nuits Atypiques. Two CDs were recorded on this occasion: Mougongo Harpe Sacrée by Donguy, and Arc en Bouche by Minanga.
“The Spirit of the Forest” exhibition at the Musée d'Aquitaine
Transport of traditional building materials for the setting up of the “The Spirit of the Forest – Land of Gabon” exhibition, Musée d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux. Funded by the Musée d'Aquitaine.
Ebando is founded · 7 musicians at the Cité de la Musique
Ebando is officially established as a Gabonese NGO. Seven Gabonese musicians and dancers are engaged for three performances as part of the “La Parole du Fleuve” exhibition at La Villette, Paris (June 1999). A great success. Funded by the Cité de la Musique.
LUTO seminar on ancestral technologies
A seminar and exhibition-workshop on ancestral and alternative technologies, organised by the LUTO (University Laboratory of Oral Tradition) at the University of Libreville (14–23 May 2001). Ebando is the driving force behind the workshops and the exhibition at the CCF in Libreville. One of Ebando's founders is elected vice-president of the seminar.
Earth Day · Sablière beach, Libreville
Ebando and the NGO Brainforest carry out a joint action protesting against the extraction of sea sand at the Sablière beach in Libreville, on 22 April 2001. The Sablière road is blocked all day. The government takes firm measures in parallel.
Symposium on the Pygmies of Central Africa
The first symposium/exhibition initiated by the various first peoples of Gabon is held at the University of Libreville and at the CCF from 28 January to 3 February 2002. The LUTO is a co-organiser. The first time the forest peoples directly express an endogenous vision of their society.
Discovering Gabon with Toups Bébey
Ebando introduces the creative and talented artist Toups Bébey to many traditional musicians of the country during a tour through deep Gabon, in November 2002.
Film “Iboga and the Men of the Sacred Wood”
Ebando serves as a resource in the preparation and making of the film by Artline Films (director Gilbert Kelner): “L'Iboga et les Hommes du Bois Sacré”, broadcast on La 5 and France 2.
International String Music Festival
Ebando is the operator of the International String Music Festival in Gabon (1–12 April 2004). A success.
Discovery, BBC and National Geographic films
Ebando accompanies film crews from Discovery US (Flying Fox Productions), BBC 2 (the Tribe series with Bruce Parry, among the Babongo) and National Geographic TV. See the recommendation letters in English on the original website.
Tour of Gabon with WCS, P-C. Akendengué and A-F. Batchiellilys
Three Ebando members support WCS Gabon on its tour of the country (5,400 km), alongside Pierre-Claver Akendengué, Annie-Flore Batchiellilys, and a remarkable team of 15 people devoted to culture and nature.
Iboga initiations · Spirituality · Solidarity ecotourism
A continuous cycle of Bwiti initiations in Ebando's corps de garde, in the Dissumba and then Misoko-Ngondé lineage. In parallel, a solidarity ecotourism activity led by Tatayo and the referents.
In the field
Deeds that left a mark.
2002 · A historic decision
13 % of the national territory protected.
A new law at last grants full protection to 13 % of the national territory. These “protected natural areas” allow Gabon to safeguard some of its most wonderful sites for future generations. A decision welcomed by Ebando, which watched several of them come into being during its tours.
Film · Tour of Gabon 2004
Watch the documentary film.
GABON – The Last Dance (2004), a film by Josh Ponte and Duncan Bridgeman, drawn from the Tour of Gabon made in 2004 with WCS, Pierre-Claver Akendengué and Annie-Flore Batchiellilys. Five thousand four hundred kilometres listening to deep Gabon.
Watch on Vimeo