36. Saving Iboga from the West’s Demand for Ibogaine with David Nassim of Blessings of the Forest

David Nassim is Co-Director of Blessings of the Forest with Yann Guignon. David focuses on Indigenous rights advocacy associated with iboga and fundraising in the international arena. His background has been in Chinese medicine for over 23 years, culminating in consultancy and teaching with a focus in the energetics of self-healing response. He has a special interest in psychotropic plants, and raising awareness of Indigenous people’s deep instinctive understanding of their own herbal medicine heritage. He feels that reciprocity is a vital approach to sustainable relationships and that Indigenous cultures must be consulted in the use of their ancient medicinals for truly safe and effective treatment. He feels we must accurately bridge Indigenous people's understanding when applied to modern western world issues, especially when shaping safe-practice.Episode HighlightsEmpowering local communities in Gabon, Africa to cultivate iboga for international distributionThe importance of involving the Gabonese people in the decision-making processThe deep roots of traditional wisdom and practices associated with iboga in Gabonese cultureHow Blessings of the Forest is working towards the protection and sustainable cultivation of iboga in GabonCreating a context that acknowledges traditions and ensures active participation in the preservation and sustainable use of ibogaTaking a gradual and mindful approach to working with iboga rather than rushing to exploit its potentialThe profound effects of iboga on individuals and how it can prompt reevaluations of beliefs and behaviorsUnderstanding the need for financial support aligned with principles of reciprocity and resource protectionPrioritizing responsible and ethical partnerships for the well-being of the Gabonese people and the sustainability of ibogaConcerns about potential colonization and the need to safeguard the traditional wisdom associated with the medicineAddressing these challenges through clear regulations and consensus within the Gabonese communityImplementing the Nagoya Protocol to protect cultural heritage and ecological integrityPrioritizing Gabonese voices, responsible partnerships, and clear regulations for a future that honors the cultural and ecological importance of ibogaDavid Nassim’s Links Website: www.blessingsoftheforest.orgInstagram: @blessingsoftheforestFacebook: Blessings Of The Forest NGOResources Mentioned in This EpisodeIndigenous Medicine Conservation FundThe Nayoga Protocol