Kirran Ahmad - Iboga: Fair Trade & Indigenous Washing

Iboga is explored through the lenses of fair trade practices and Indigenous sovereignty. As the global interest in ibogaine for addiction treatment grows, the pressure on the natural resources in Gabon increases, leading to issues like poaching and unsustainable harvesting. The presentation highlights the importance of fair trade and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities who have traditionally used the substance. 'Indigenous washing' is identified as a critical concern where organizations superficially engage with Indigenous representation without fostering meaningful, equitable exchanges. Moving forward, the focus must shift towards reciprocity, respect, and proper representation, ensuring that Indigenous communities benefit sustainably from the global adoption of their traditional medicines and knowledge.