Some Results and Experiences
Although analyses are still ongoing, a varied
range of results is already available from the different surveys, including databases,
reports, a model, and 'lessons learned' in general.
GABON
Originally people from Loa loa were living in
settlements all along the Ivindo river but most villages were abandoned in the
50s when people were resettled along the roads by the colonial government.
Today's fishing and hunting camps are often situated on or near old village
sites. The camps are situated downstream from the village and can be more than
50 km away (below Kongou or until Mingouli, see map). They are used as basis for
fishing, hunting and gathering (fruits (e.g. Coula edulis), vegetables (gnetum
sp.) or wrapping leaves (Megaphrynium macrostachyum) and medicinal
plants). People stay in their camps for a few days or up to 3 months, often with
the whole family, particularly during the long dry season. Trips re made back to
the village to get food and sell wild products.
Irvingia gabonensis or 'chocolate' for sauces, a
catfish from the Ivindo on a sand truck, spices (Afrostyrax lepidophylus)
and crushing ball (Strygnos congoleana),
People are specialized in either fishing or hunting, even if
they all do both. Fishermen usually hunt and trap game close to the camp.
Hunters reported going until 5-10 km into the forest from the river. Traditional
tools for fishing and hunting have been replaced with modern nets, hooks, wire
cables and guns. Hunting is done both during the daytime and at night. Plants
used in ceremonies such as circumcision remain very important and their specific
use is rarely disclosed. There are many aphrodisiacs and plants used to solve
marital problems. Medicinal species remain important even if they are gradually
being replaced by modern pharmaceuticals ("white man's medicine").
Smoked fish just brought from the camp, wild mushrooms,
stomach medicine in wrapping leaf.
The forest and river are the most important land units and
they are strongly linked as most of the forest is accessed through the river.
The nomenclature of water bodies is very detailed, maybe more than that of the
forest. The forest is the most important land unit for all uses except fuel wood
(fields), hunting/fishing place/use (river) and the future (village).
Construction and food are the most important uses of the forest. People prefer
wild sources of animals and plants and purchased plant or animals are the least
important source of products. Women give a higher importance to wild products
than men.
Interestingly some of the men said the park could also have
positive effects for them because then foreigners would not be able to come in
with motorboats (rare in the village) and guns and so animals would come closer
to the village and riverbanks for them to hunt them.
Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves, pounding instrument
(Lasianthera africana) and wood transport in a rattan basket.
All the data has not been analyzed yet and a full report is
in preparation. A database is under construction.
Within the MLA frame, 3 studies by 2 French and one Gabonese
student were conducted, one describing the fishing commodity chain, an attempt
at quantifying hunting, fishing and collecting activities in the park and a
study on the cultural importance of certain animals.
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