Our Community
Supporting our community is such an integral part of our mission at New Life Iboga. Respecting and honoring the tradition of iboga is extremely important to us. We donate a percentage of our profits to support two organizations that are very close to us – Ebando and Blessings of the Forest.
EBANDO
Our Spiritual Family
Since the beginning, Ebando has been our connection to the traditional use of iboga. Based in Libreville, Gabon, Ebando is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) whose aim is to give broader access to the cultural heritage of Central Africa. Ebando is run by Hugues Poitevin, also known as Tatayo or ‘Obiang Nzondo MaMissoba’, a native french man who has been living in Gabon for more than 35 years. Ebando offers Bwiti initiations as well as other eco-tourist activities.
In July 2017, Matt and Jeanae (owners of New Life Iboga) traveled to Ebando where Matt was initiated into Bwiti, earning the name ‘Moukoukou Mogenda’. They were then married in a Bwiti ceremony on August 11, 2018.
BLESSING OF THE FOREST
Iboga Sustainability
Yann Guignon is the innovator of Blessings of the Forest, a community interest company dedicated to the natural and cultural heritage of the people of Gabon. BOTF has a focus on iboga sustainability and through the website, you can donate or sponsor an iboga tree. Almost 1,000 trees have already been sponsored and growing.
Yann along with BOTF are directly responsible for the growing awareness and efforts being made to protect the sacred tree iboga and the knowledge that surrounds it. In 2013
In July 2012, Yann submitted a 50 page report to the Gabonese authorities announcing the likelihood of the disappearance of iboga in the public domain by 2020 unless strong action is taken urgently to protect this precious resource.
