key facts - Changemakers

VISION
KEY FACTS
MONTS DE CRISTAL
NATIONAL PARK
DATE CREATED: 2002
AREA: 1200 km2
HIGHEST MOUNTAINS: Mt Mbilan,
elevation approx. 925 m; Mt Seni, elevation
approx. 611 m; Mt. Seni has the highest
rainfall in Gabon, 350 cm/year.
HABITATS: Elfin Forest, Cloud Forest,
Primary Forest, and Secondary Forest
PROVINCE: Estuaire
STATUS: IUCN critical; one of two distinct
Centers of Plant Diversity in the Atlantic
Coastal Forest Ecoregion (CBFP, 2003)
PHASE TWO DEVELOPMENT
monts de
cristal
NATIONAL PARK
GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY CENTER
An ancient refuge of African biodiversity,
Monts de Cristal National Park is important to
Gabon. The area provides a source of Libreville’s
electricity and a significant catchment for water.
It also serves as a refreshing cloud forest escape.
With relatively cool temperatures, Monts de Cristal (Crystal Mountains)
can be a soothing place for residents and tourists in nearby Libreville.
horse riding, and water routes for rafting and kayaking will entice visitors.
A sustainable mountain lodge that is custom-built for the climate, and
designed with local culture in mind, can provide services for park guests.
Monts de Cristal is clothed in ancient forest, much of it undisturbed by
humans. Cloud forests exist at higher elevations where the forest canopy
has almost continous cloud and mist cover, which nourishes moistureloving epiphytic plants growing on trees. Mosses, orchids, and begonias
are abundant. This park is one of the richest areas for plant and butterfly
diversity in Africa. In addition, large charismatic mammals such as
mandrills and elephants also inhabit the area. This biodiversity center
warrants a global trust fund for ongoing park protection and support.
SEEG turbines at Monts de Cristal generate electricity for Libreville and
the Mbé basin is a key water resource. Hill forests hold and slowly release
clean water downstream for people and protect the soil against erosion.
The park is the key source of stream and river water for local farmers.
LEFT: A riverside lodge is proposed with design inspired by local Fang tradition.
FAR LEFT: Monts de Cristal is known for diverse and colorful plant life.
WCS & cresolus
MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK 198
MONTS DE CRISTAL
Development of outdoor activities such as trails for walking, hiking and
AKANDA NATIONAL PARK
LIBREVILLE
PONGARA NATIONAL PARK
SEEG buildings can be
recycled for guests, including
Gabonese students.
Tchimbélé Dam is a main source
of Libreville’s hydroelectricity.
Kinguélé Dam
Bingu ilé
Tchimbélé Dam
Some of the region’s most
spectacular rock formations
are outside the park border in
the buffer zone, needing special
protection from tree-cutting
and development to retain its
natural beauty.
MBÉ NATIONAL PARK
The Mbé and other rivers carry a
constant supply of pure, fresh
water from the Monts de Crystal
National Park watershed to the
people of Gabon.
ssa River
Abanga
Further biodiversity studies are
Abandoned mining equipment can
be recycled for use in ecotourism,
such as forest walk platforms.
needed here. It is already known
that the forest is particularly rich
in families like Begoniaceae.
Traditional Fang masks are
famous throughout the world.
Many are emotionally powerful.
199 MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK
o
Kom
Monts de Cristal - Right - 2
COCO BEACH
monts de
cristal
National Park
Botanists have identified
Monts de Cristal as having
the highest diversity of trees
in Central Africa, with a mean
97 tree species per hectare.
MT. SENI
NATIONAL PARK
N
Noya R
iver
Many different kinds of
orchids are known from
Binguilé River
Monts de Cristal.
mountain Biodiversity Center
TWO MOUNTAIN-TOP PARKS INVITE EXPLORATION
Throughout alternating waves of wet and dry climate in Africa, only
a few highlands have always remained moist and forested. These include
Monts de Cristal, Mount Cameroon, and parts of the Massif Du Chaillu
(including Birougou National Park), as well as Angola’s escarpment and
the Albertine Rift in East Africa. The high mountains trap humid air,
creating enough rain to support forest growth, even in the driest climatic
periods. As a result of this continuity through periodic isolations of forest,
large numbers of species survived in these wet refuges. Monts de Cristal
National Park - made up of two parks (Mt. Seni, the western portion, and
Mbé in the east) - is particularly rich in trees and moisture-requiring
epiphytes and lithophytes, as well as butterflies. The park is internationally
known for biological richness, but much more scientific exploration is
necessary to truly understand the area. Gabon is probably the least
botanically studied area in tropical Africa - yet scientists estimate
6000-10,000 plant species exist in the nation.
The ridge of ancient rock that forms the Monts de Cristal massif straddles
the border between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Monte Alèn National
Park protects the biodiversity of this mountain chain in Equatorial Guinea.
Many plant and animal species are shared between these parks, but special
habitat areas give each park its own unique diversity. The two parks
demonstrate both nations’ commitment to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
of local art and design serve as
inpiration for new architecture.
Traditional Fang art, like the piece below from the National Museum of Arts, is highly prized
by African art specialists.
Mbé River
Starflowers seem to have
dropped from heaven. They are
actually the flowers of parasitic
Euriphene mundula is
one of the many rare
butterflies that can be
found at Monts de Cristal.
plants underground - an example
of the diverse plant life here.
MONTS
DE CRISTAL
NATIONAL
PARK 200
PARC
NATIONAL
DE MONTS
DE CRISTAL
5
MONTS DE CRISTAL
Fang tradition is strong
throughout this area. Elements
Unusual Richness of Life
Not only is Monts de Cristal especially rich in orchids, begonias, and
trees, but it has one of the highest counts of butterfly species in Africa
(butterfly diversity is also significant at Ivindo National Park), with multiple
highland species found nowhere else but here and Equatorial Guinea. When
the clouds lift, hundreds species of butterflies emerge to feed and mate.
RIGHT: Multiple Begonia species are found in these moist highlands, with an amazing diversity
of leaf shapes.
BELOW: Much lies to be discovered at Monts de Cristal. No one has yet identified this strange
and beautiful plant.
ABOVE (FROM TOP TO BOTTOM): Monts de Cristal is home to an exceptional diversity of beautiful
and rare butterfly species. Euphaedra brevis is a rare understory species found usually in Equatorial
Guinea and Cameroon. It was just discovered in Gabon at Kinguélé. Cymothoe haimodia is another
species known to other areas and was also recently discovered at Tchimbélé by Gael Van de Weghe.
While the male of this rare Nymphalid is completely red, the female (shown) looks quite distinct.
Graphium auriger is easily seen along the Kinguélé-Tchimbélé road. This species is only found
in Gabon. Perhaps it should be named “Pride of Gabon.”
201 MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK
A Global biodiversity Center
Heavy moisture levels in the mountain air have enabled a particularly
species-rich plant population to flourish here for tens of thousands of
years. In fact, Monts de Cristal is considered by many botanists to have
the highest plant biodiversity in all of Africa – especially high in tree
and flower (Begonia, Impatiens, and orchid) species. Water trapped in
the forest and mosses is released slowly, evenly and sediment-free,
benefitting both people and wildlife.
ABOVE: African forests are the global center for
bright Impatiens. Monts de Cristal is especially
rich in this plant family. Impatiens show such
diversity here, that each individual species can
be difficult to identify.
LEFT: The intriguing Trichoscypha is one of
many diverse plant types in Monts de Cristal.
Trichoscypha fruit is the “raisin of Gabon” delicious as a flavor for ice cream.
“National Park status
for Monts de Cristal protects
this great global reservoir of life.”
RENÉ ADIAHENO ,
MONTS DE CRISTAL
PARCS GABON
ABOVE: A large number of wild orchid species
can be found here.
FAR LEFT: The Monts de Cristal parks are full
of mammals as well as plants and butterflies.
LEFT: The forest of Monts de Cristal is a
world of myriad mosses and epiphytes. A
Maesobotrya tree pushes red flowers and fruit
through the thick mosses on its branches.
Many trees here may obtain their nutrients not
only from the sunlight and soil but from within
their mossy covering.
RIGHT: Some think of the rugged topography
of Monts de Cristal as a moody world hidden by
low clouds, while others see it as one of the
planet’s rich biodiversity centers.
MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK 202
Reservoirs and Recreation
VISION
Because of the area’s cool mountain temperatures and proximity to
Libreville, visitors will come if there are places to stay and enticing things
for them to do. Hiking and riding are not incompatible with watershed
protection when provided with sustainable trails that prevent erosion.
Trail clearing must be carefully monitored for trails draw bushmeat
hunters too. Tourism and hunting (especially hunting of mammals)
are incompatible activities.
RIGHT: Engaging interpretation, such as trail signs and guide-led activities, must be a significant
part of tourism development. Visitors want an interesting learning experience.
BELOW: Spectacular natural mountain topography and a terrain that includes high rocky plateaus
and localized low-growing elfin flora will make Monts de Cristal a hiking destination.
WCS & cresolus
ABOVE: Mandrills and other large animals are difficult to find due to the presence of hunters.
Trails built for tourists here will initially prove problematic unless protected from poachers.
LEFT: The resevoirs of Kinguélé and Tchimbélé turn electricity-generating turbines producing
power for the region, including Libreville. These dams are critical sources of power.
203 MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK
ACCESS FROM WEST
It is possible to access the
west side of the park from
the river and Coco Beach.
Buffer Zone
Extends to Equatorial Guinea border
along the Mbé catchment area
Zoning in Monts de Cristal
WATERSHED NEEDS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH TOURISM
H P
NO GO ZONE
The two parts of Monts de Cristal National Park are separated by a
road dotted with villages. Mt. Seni, the western park, is currently best
approached from the sea from Coco Beach. Mbé, the eastern park, is
reached from the road to Equatorial Guinea, best approached near the
Tchimbélé and Kinguélé reservoirs. Monts de Cristal National Park is
critical to people of Gabon for the watershed here that feeds many local
rivers: the Noya, Adouré, Binguilé, Abangassa, Tsibilé, and Mbé Rivers.
SEEG turbines here create Libreville’s electricity, which is critical to
Gabon’s economy.
To be determined after
field research.
Mt. Seni
No Go Zone
P
NEW HOTEL AND PATROL
An airstrip outside the buffer zone
could provide access to a proposed
hotel near the wildlife-rich western
side of Mt. Seni Park.
PROPOSED ENTRY
E
Possible site of entry to the
Mont Seni side of the park.
Old quarries recycled into walkways and perches, hiking and horse trails,
an expanded botanic garden and trail, organized water activities, and a
new hotel will bring new audiences to Monts de Cristal to explore the
scenic landscape where clouds meet mountain.
5 km
Buffer Zone
POSSIBLE HOTEL SITE
Mont Seni Park
The area awaits exploration
and research.
PH
Proposed Community
Forests
Mbé Park
5 km
Buffer Zone
WILDLIFE RICH AREA
Every Libreville schoolchild should visit this area to learn about the
importance of the park in protecting a valuable local watershed and a
global biodiversity treasure. Many countries will suffer increasingly scarce
water resources in the face of climate change and heavy consumption in
the 21st Century - Gabon is wise to protect watersheds now to insure this
vital resource for the future.
The north east of Mbé Park has the
highest concentrations of wildlife.
Buffer Zone
Extends to Mbé Watershed
R
BUFFER ZONE
HYDRO POWER
The western buffer zone will be extended
to follow the Mbé watershed in order to
protect Libreville’s supply of fresh water.
The dam at Tchimbélé
provides Libreville with safe
renewable energy.
Proposed hiking trail
along park boundary
H
R
PARK AREA
PARK INFRASTRUCTURE (1A)
ENTRY
Kinguélé Dam
OFFICE
PATROL
OR
EP
N
0
5
10
Km
15
20
The parks of Monts de Cristal can become a destination for hikers to discover cloud forests and
spectacular landscapes, as well as destination for those wanting to explore the streams and rivers.
KEY
GABON PARKS (1)
RESEARCH
AIRSTRIP
Logged Area
Gabonese government and tour operators can work cooperatively with the
mining industry to create “private wildlife reserves” to benefit each party.
Mt. Mbilon
CONCESSIONAIRE ZONE (2)
VILLAGE ZONE (3)
VILLAGE ZONE
OFF LIMITS ZONE (4)
NO GO ZONE
BUFFER ZONE (5)
BUFFER
TRANSPORTATION
MAJOR ROAD
CONCESSION
MINOR ROAD
H
H
PROPOSED HOTEL SITE
UNIMPROVED
PROPOSED HOTEL
(Site to be Found)
PROPOSED ROAD
H
C
C
EXISTING HOTEL
PROPOSED TRAIL
PROPOSED CAMP SITE
TRAIN
EXISTING CAMP SITE
TRAIL
TRAIN STATION
AIRSTRIP
MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK 204
MONTS DE CRISTAL
Tchimbélé Dam
Mountain Adventure & Exploration
CREATING TRAILS FOR EXPLORATION ON BIKE OR FOOT
Spectacular natural mountain topography and varying terrain make
Monts de Cristal an ideal mountain biking and hiking destination.
Landscapes range from high rocky plateaus with localized low-growing
elfin flora to valleys with big trees.
Trailmaking must be carefully supervised to minimize potential erosion
and damage to the forest, and trails must be located in places that facilitate
ongoing Parcs Gabon monitoring to prevent hunting in the park. A unique
walkway or overlook high in the treetops can be made to reuse old
quarrying equipment. A fascinating mountain orchid exhibit might be
possible as part of a botanic trail, using the recycled metals as new perches
for “orphaned” epiphytes. (When orchids and other air plants fall to the
ground, they cannot survive.) The more unusual plants would be labeled
with multilingual educational graphics to explain cultural uses and
ecological functions.
RIGHT: Many countries have created horseback
tourism. To begin such activity in Gabon
requires creating good trails through scenic
land, and pastures for grazing and raising foals
and training young Gabonese riders. Young
Gabonese will develop a culture of horse care
and can act as tour guides and horse grooms.
It also requires importing Cameroonian horses
which are resilient to rainforest diseases. When
imported they must be medically purged under
a veterinarian’s inspection so as to not bring
new disease into Gabon.
VISION
BELOW RIGHT: New canopy walks as designed
in an architectural illustration. Canopy walks
and observation towers can bring visitors high
on epiphyte-laden wooded hillsides.
VISION
VISION
ABOVE: Simple rain shelters provide a day
destination for multi-day bike rides. Kenyan
government shelters found at different levels
on Mt. Kilimanjaro could serve as a model.
The rushing streams provide a place for exotic sport fishing.
205 MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK
ABOVE AND RIGHT: Abandoned mining equipment
can be recycled to innovative new uses.
WCS & cresolus
Unique Mountain Retreat
21ST CENTURY CONSTRUCTION WITH OLD TRADITIONS
VISION
Few tropical African capitals have ready access to cool mountains with
spectacular scenery. A Monts de Cristal Lodge, inspired by Fang culture
and sustainable principles, is designed for cool, damp weather. It would
sit next to the Mbé River, ideally as a concession in the buffer zone on the
edge of the park, for immediate access to both the park and the water
(for boats). The proposed lodge design incorporates a vegetable garden
and a spectacular outdoor firepit to warm visitors on cool evenings. It
would immediately become a distinctive destination.
ABOVE: Standard straight windows (left) look
invisible to birds; they often fly into the glass
and die. Windows tilted 3 degrees (right) helps
keep birds from trying to fly through the glass.
The lodge’s initial market will be from Libreville - citizens, expatriates,
friends, families - looking for an easy weekend escape and access to riding
and hiking in the park. International business is likely to follow.
BELOW: Improvements in hydroelectric
technology enable streams to have small
water-powered electric generators.
LEFT: Cool temperatures call for cozy nights
around a roaring bonfire. A spectacular “Fang
Firepit”would be perfect for champagne before
or after dinner.
MONTS DE CRISTAL
WCS & cresolus
WCS & cresolus
ABOVE: The rich tradition of Fang culture can appear in 21st Century architecture (which usually
suffers from being globally homogenous). Many traditional Fang buildings were multicolored and
had tied roof ornaments.
IMAGES LEFT: A small Monts de Cristal Lodge could be sited on the river to protect
from the climate, with covered porches to enable outdoor enjoyment on warm or
rainy days. Ornamental Fang elements would speak of northern Gabon. “Green”
architecture must be applied to make the structures ecologically sustainable while
honoring local vernacular architecture. This includes shutters for night,
solar energy, careful material selection, minimal tree
clearance, and care in construction to minimize erosion
and disturbance .
WCS & cresolus
MONTS DE CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK 206