Creativity at the heart of the Congo Basin
Gabon, often called the “green lung of Africa,” is home to vast tropical forests that form part of the Congo Basin, one of the world’s most critical ecosystems for climate regulation and biodiversity. While the country is internationally recognized for its conservation policies — with over 10% of its land protected as national parks — Gabon is also rich in cultural traditions. Today, artists and cultural collectives are beginning to connect heritage and sustainability, using creativity to raise awareness about deforestation, waste, and climate change, while promoting eco-friendly practices and cultural resilience.
Gabon’s cultural heritage reflects a deep connection to forests and the natural world:
Masks & sculpture: Fang and Kota communities are famous for wooden masks, reliquaries, and statues carved from local timber, often symbolizing ancestors, spirits, and the balance of nature.
Textiles & crafts: Raffia weaving and fiber-based crafts embody renewable and biodegradable artistry.
Music & instruments: Traditional instruments like the ngombi (harp) and drums are made from wood, skins, and vines — natural materials linked to ecological rhythms.
Rituals & oral traditions: Bwiti spiritual ceremonies use art, song, and performance to reflect harmony with forests, plants, and ancestors.
These practices demonstrate ancestral sustainability, providing inspiration for modern eco-art movements.
In Libreville and Port-Gentil, artists are creating sculptures, jewelry, and furniture from recycled plastics, scrap metals, and discarded objects. These projects both beautify urban spaces and highlight waste management challenges.
Gabonese designers are reviving raffia weaving and experimenting with natural dyes and upcycled fabrics. Eco-fashion not only preserves heritage skills but also connects Gabon to Africa’s growing slow fashion movement.
Music — from traditional rhythms to Afro-fusion — increasingly carries messages about forest protection, ocean conservation, and sustainable living. Dance groups and performers integrate ecological storytelling into cultural shows.
Events such as the Libreville International Film Festival and cultural exhibitions in national parks feature eco-art and environmental storytelling, linking conservation with creative expression.
Gabonese sculptors and mask-makers – continuing heritage crafts while adapting to eco-friendly materials.
Libreville recycled art collectives – youth groups transforming waste into installations and public artworks.
Women’s cooperatives – weaving raffia and palm-fiber crafts for both local markets and eco-tourism.
Musicians & poets – embedding ecological themes in their work, amplifying conservation messages.
Deforestation and extractive industries, which threaten both forests and cultural materials.
Limited recycling infrastructure, constraining eco-art growth.
Economic pressures, as eco-art products must compete with mass-produced imports.
Visibility gaps, since eco-art is often local and underrepresented internationally.
Eco-tourism & cultural heritage: Gabon’s growing eco-tourism industry could integrate eco-art as part of cultural-ecological experiences.
Education & youth: School programs can foster eco-art skills, linking climate awareness with creativity.
Regional collaboration: As part of the Congo Basin, Gabonese artists can partner with peers in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and DRC.
Global platforms: Showcasing eco-art in climate summits and international exhibitions can strengthen Gabon’s image as both a conservation and cultural leader.