Paper short abstract:

We compare colonial and biocultural maps of abandoned villages in Gabon’s Ivindo forest using historic participatory mapping and GIS (1880s-present). Colonial and modern maps severely underrepresent forest history when compared to biocultural maps, invisibilising Bakota biocultural landuse.

Paper long abstract:

Additional authors: H. Assatsi, Emboukangoye, B., J. Epong, A. Embamenet, S. Ekazama Koto, G‐R. Ibembi Moandondo, Itsetsamé, P. Ihamboua, L. Ikakaboua‐Moazeonz, G. Kotomoukaye, B.L. A.S. Moimangombe, G. Mabomaya, D. Ngoapaza, C. Ngoubassèkoua, T. Mahombi Mokounga D. Louma, D. Mbazadjia, V.P. Malingui Toukou, F. Makala, S‐A. Madjamaza, J. Mako.

We compare colonial and biocultural maps of abandoned villages in Gabon’s Ivindo forest landscape. French colonial resettlement policy was enacted from the 1900s-1970s, leaving a legacy of abandoned villages. Recent processes seek to recognise some village territories. We ask how colonial and biocultural maps can foster recognition of settlement. We compare eight colonial-era and present-day maps with biocultural mapping of former settlements and sacred sites (1880s-2022). Kota members of Massaha village used historic participatory mapping to document their history. Using GIS, the colonial maps were digitised, compared with biocultural maps, and village layers were created. Colonial maps show no trace of settlement in the colonial era. By contrast, biocultural maps show 15 historic settlements and many sacred sites. Comparing colonial maps, which helped to plan railroads, source labour, and impose taxes, with a biocultural view of village historic settlement and heritage, we find the colonial and modern maps severely underrepresent forest history and invisibilise people’s territories and land stewardship. We conducted this exercise with a second community in the southern Ivindo forest with similar results. When we bring together different maps, we understand how Kota communities have been impacted by colonial resettlement policy and despite this, they maintain their biocultural land use.