Who We Are
JEBK Foundation
The JARDIN ETHNOBOTANIQUE DU KIVU (Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden) Foundation (JEBK) is a non-governmental, non-political, non-profit organization focused on human rights and environmental protection.
Established in 2019 in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), JEBK Foundation is legally recognized by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights under Reference: F92 No. JUST/SG/20/2525/2020. Our main office is located in the peninsula-village of Kadjuchu, in Kabare Territory, South Kivu Province, eastern DRC.
Our Mission
- Is to conserve the plant biodiversity of the DRC—especially endemic, threatened, and indigenous species—by creating and managing Community Forests and Ethnobotanical Gardens in rural areas.
- We work closely with communities living around protected areas, such national parks and nature reserves so that conservation efforts benefit both people and ecosystems.
- JEBK also documents and promotes the traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), supporting ecological restoration, environmental protection, food security, public health, and sustainable development.
Our Vision
By 2030 and beyond, the Jardin Ethnobotanique du Kivu, aims to serve as a key space for:
- Ex situ conservation,
- Ecotourism
- Protection and promotion of traditional knowledge
- Genuine inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and their traditional knowledge
- Gender-responsive and inclusive community services
- Our Community gardens contribute to peaceful, resilient rural communities where food security, climate action, and green transition efforts grow around plant-based solutions.
- Education, vocational training, and participatory research are at the heart of our approach.
- We value local expertise and collaborate with specialised institutions at local, national, regional, and international level.