Tradional ecological knowledge: LIBANDI Cultural Festival of the Baka indigenous peoples in Cameroon

From the 10th to 13th August 2025, Baka from Djoum/Mintom and Bagyeli from Akom II and Nyete for the first time came together to celebration culture and ecological knowledge during the Libandi Baka Festival.

Baka communities from Djoum and Mintom and Bagyeli communities from Akom II and Nyete came together for the first time in history to celebrate their culture and ecological knowledge. Hosted in Zoulabot, this landmark gathering provided a platform for both Indigenous groups to share traditional songs, dances, rituals, and forest-based knowledge that have sustained their peoples for generations. It was a moment of pride and unity, highlighting the resilience of Indigenous identities in the face of cultural erosion and environmental pressures.

Beyond celebration, the event also served as a space for dialogue and exchange on ecological knowledge and sustainable practices. Elders shared wisdom about medicinal plants, traditional hunting and fishing techniques, and the role of sacred rituals in forest governance. Youth were encouraged to learn and carry forward these traditions, ensuring continuity across generations. This unique cultural convergence marked the beginning of stronger solidarity between the Baka and Bagyeli, laying the foundation for a wider Indigenous cultural renaissance in southern Cameroon.