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 Highlights

• Empowering local communities in Gabon, Africa to cultivate iboga for international distribution
• The importance of involving the Gabonese people in the decision-making process
• The deep roots of traditional wisdom and practices associated with iboga in Gabonese culture
• How Blessings of the Forest is working towards the protection and sustainable cultivation of iboga in Gabon
• Creating a context that acknowledges traditions and ensures active participation in the preservation and sustainable use of iboga
• Taking a gradual and mindful approach to working with iboga rather than rushing to exploit its potential
• The profound effects of iboga on individuals and how it can prompt reevaluations of beliefs and behaviors
• Understanding the need for financial support aligned with principles of reciprocity and resource protection
• Prioritizing responsible and ethical partnerships for the well-being of the Gabonese people and the sustainability of iboga
• Concerns about potential colonization and the need to safeguard the traditional wisdom associated with the medicine
• Addressing these challenges through clear regulations and consensus within the Gabonese community
• Implementing the Nagoya Protocol to protect cultural heritage and ecological integrity
• Prioritizing Gabonese voices, responsible partnerships, and clear regulations for a future that honors the cultural and ecological importance of iboga

David Nassim’s Links 

• Website: www.blessingsoftheforest.org
• Instagram: @blessingsoftheforest
• Facebook: Blessings Of The Forest NGO

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund
• The Nayoga Protocol