In these times marked by environmental awareness, artists are increasingly turning to ecological practices. Concretely, sustainable development means the preservation of the environment and natural resources, as well as social and economic balance.
Architecture, photography and art are linked. They contribute to the beauty perceived by the viewer. I present to you the artist architect Mr. Jovanie Sonie NDONG SONGO who is part of this movement that respects our planet.
Dany: Hello Jovanie,
Can you tell me about your background?
Jovanie: I am Gabonese, born in Oyem.
I lived in Libreville between primary and high school, then in Port-Gentil, following the classic path of a Gabonese. After obtaining my baccalaureate, I joined the African School of Architecture and Urban Planning in Lomé, following a competition organized by an international institution, to pursue studies in architecture. A few years later, I participated in the renovation of the 2 Février hotel , formerly Radisson Blu, in Togo.
Upon my return to Libreville, I specialized in ecological construction at the École des Métiers de l'Architecture. This experience allowed me to contribute to significant projects, such as the expansion of the Franceville train station in Haut-Ogooué. I had the opportunity to participate in the development of transport infrastructure, the marketing of processed products, equipment and the carrying out of audits. This includes areas such as wood, a way of stimulating the economy.
All these initiatives aim to ensure sustainable development and positive growth.
So far, our efforts in planning in our country have been largely unsuccessful. The choices we have made in terms of construction have proven to be failures. We are now questioning part of our heritage, because some approaches are no longer relevant. In recent years, the heat has become increasingly intense.
Dany: Several scientists are talking about global warming, with, among other things, the consequence in our sub-Saharan countries of an increased presence of high temperatures and heat waves.
Is this your impression too?
Jovanie: We can no longer afford to repeat the same mistakes. In the past, the heat was not so overwhelming, but today, air conditioning is no longer enough. We are facing energy problems: electricity is not available everywhere, and even when it is, it does not always arrive at an optimal flow rate. Voltage drops are frequent, and our houses, built with cement bricks, overheat. It is a real ordeal. We live badly, that is undeniable. We cannot continue like this. Here are the different approaches that we are considering on a global scale:
It is time to rethink our approach and find sustainable solutions to improve our quality of life.
How can we make our neighborhoods cooler? It is crucial to preserve mangroves, as they play a big role in regulating temperature. I have noticed that residential areas near mangroves are always well ventilated and cooler. In addition, mangroves contribute to carbon reduction, which is essential for sustainable urban planning. In order to reduce the pressure of urbanization on ecosystems, we must preserve our flamboyant ecosystems. By using suitable materials and adopting architecture that respects our heritage while integrating modern technologies, we can modernize traditional construction and promote sustainable industrial production.
In short, it is these steps that have led me to find myself in this field today.
After industrialization, we became aware of the importance of projects with environmental and social impact. However, some companies did not find the right approach to develop these projects. For a development to truly benefit communities, it is essential that the projects are appropriate and have a positive impact on the environment and society.
Commitment to Sustainable Development: We are committed to developing initiatives such as mangrove shelters and educational centers. These projects aim to promote sustainable local development that takes into account the needs of communities and the environment.
Business Challenges: Some companies have struggled to adopt an adequate approach to sustainability. It is crucial to select projects that have a positive impact on local communities, taking into consideration the environment and social well-being.
Dany: Indeed, climate change represents a major challenge, and action is imperative.
How to consider the future?
Should we invest in solutions such as solar panels?
More concretely, what should we invest in more sustainably?
Jovanie: Thank you for this question. During my interview on Gabon24
(Gabonese TV channel), I discussed rural architecture, starting with the management of space, air and energy. It is essential that citizens understand that Libreville has areas that are unsuitable for construction, almost entirely saturated with water. The preservation of our ecosystems, particularly mangroves, is essential for the development of sustainable tourism and for the protection of our natural environment.
The first step is the preservation of this ecosystem, which is essential to develop the economy of this sector through ecology. It is also crucial to improve the living environment by reducing the pressure of urbanization on these ecosystems. We must limit the destruction of mangroves by those looking for land to settle. Then, it is necessary to change our perception of construction. The State must adopt new measures.
We also benefit from natural air wells present in our environment. The presence of mangroves everywhere is a blessing. When the city breathes fully, the ecosystem transpires, contributing to a more pleasant urban climate. These natural elements are crucial for regulating the air and provide a more comfortable living environment in our homes.
Energy problems, while complex, are not insurmountable. Viable solutions can emerge from a combination of new technologies, innovative policies and more efficient management of existing resources.
Using solar energy for lighting and energy-efficient appliances is an excellent strategy to alleviate energy problems. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers energy costs and environmental impact. Solar energy, renewable and abundant, is a sustainable solution for the energy future.
For outdoor lighting, for example, we have solutions
such as solar floodlights, solar street lights and solar street lights. We have many solutions at our disposal that can be exploited.
We have many solutions that can be exploited. However, let's be honest: developing an industry is not an easy task. My expertise in sustainable development allows me to understand that environmentally friendly industrialization is crucial for our country if we aspire to sustainable development. It is therefore imperative to promote a green economy. To achieve this, funding and investments are necessary. We must prioritize the use of energy-efficient machines. It is essential not to limit our energy consumption to domestic needs alone, which causes voltage drops and harms the smooth running of industries. Energy management is at the heart of the problem. Therefore, we must focus our efforts on more efficient energy and space management, for our own well-being.
Dany: I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for granting me this long interview, both instructive and enriching. I hope that readers will find it as interesting as I did.
Education and awareness raising are essential to encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices and to realise the importance of sustainable development in the face of climate change challenges.
To conclude, what more can I add?
Do you appreciate art or photography?
Jovanie: Indeed, I manage my Facebook page where I share my activities. You can visit it to discover the individual behind Jovanie.
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