CIRMF - General information

location

The symposium will be held at the Institut Français du Gabon (Boulevard Triomphal, Libreville).

Map

Schedule

The symposium will start on Friday, November the 4th, 2011 at 8 am and will close on Saturday November the 5th, 2011 at 4:45 pm.

Cost

There is no registration fee. The symposium is opened to everyone who has registered. Coffee breaks and lunches will available during the symposium.

Language

The official language of the symposium is French. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided. Non French-speaking speakers are invited to present in either English or French at their convenience.

Visa

An official visa is required to enter Gabon. In order to facilitate the administrative procedures, a personal letter of invitation will be sent to you as soon as you have confirmed your registration. A valid passport is required and it must have at least 6 months remaining validity.

Health/Vaccinations

Your international immunization record will be required. You must be vaccinated against yellow fever. The following vaccines are also highly recommended: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, viral hepatitis A and B.

Transportation

A reception committee will be organized at your arrival. Transfer from the airport to the hotel will be provided.

Useful information

Official language:

French

Time zone:

UTC+1.

Energy voltage

220v, US or Canadian electric devices might require adapters.

Currency and currency rate:

Currency used is the Central African franc (XAF). One euro is worth 655 XAF. One US dollar is worth 506 XAF. Euros and US dollars are generally well accepted.

Dialing code:

+241

About Gabon

Geography

Part of Central Africa, Gabon is located in the south of the Gulf of Guinea. The second biggest rainforest in the world covers more than 80% of Gabonese territory. Three different regions, coastal plains, mountains and plateaux, give Gabon a particular identity and offer a patchwork of typical landscapes such as forests, mangroves and savannas.

Renowned for its Okoumé trees and its highly diversified fauna, Gabon boasts striking biodiversity. Since 2002, the Gabonese government has been fully committed to environmental preservation and has created 13 national parks.

Climate

Located right on the equator, the Gabonese climate is typically equatorial, hot and wet year-round. The average temperature is around 26°C (79°F). Two rainy seasons (February-April; October-November) follow two dry seasons (December-January; May-September).

About Libreville

Location

Libreville is located in the north-western part of Gabon, inside the Gabon estuary. It runs along the shores of the South Atlantic Ocean. As the political and administrative capital, Libreville features a wide variety of landmarks.

What to do and see in few hours

Gabon National Museum

Gabon National Museum is home to many precious Gabonese artifacts. Collections of masks, sculptures, carvings and artworks are on display. It is also a venue for gallery exhibits and cultural events.

National Museum of Arts and Traditions

The National Museum of Arts and Traditions is known for its huge collection of cultural masks and tribal crafts. Gabonese rites, cultures and traditional music are displayed as well.

Presidential Palace

The majestic presidential palace was built by President Omar Bongo Ondimba in the 1970s. It is a proud architectural marvel in the heart of Libreville. Visitors are unfortunately not allowed inside.

L'Eglise St-Michel de N’Kembo

An important landmark for Libreville, St. Michel Church is known for its 31 tall, wooden carved columns representing biblical scenes. A blind Gabonese man is said to have carved the columns. The artistic columns are well preserved and are truly a sight to behold.

Boulevard Triumphal El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba

Major landmarks and government buildings line the avenue: the French Cultural Centre, Ministry of Mines and Petrol, Ministry of Forestry and Environment, Senate and Central Bank, for instance.

Nearby

Pointe Denis Beach

Pointe Denis Beach is a peninsula just 20 minutes away from Libreville. Pointe Denis offers wonderful beaches and water activities such as snorkelling, swimming, boating and more. From here, you have an unobstructed view of Libreville's interesting coastline and skyline.

Arboretum de Sibang

5 kilometres away from Libreville, the Arboretum de Sibang is a preserved rainforest park. It offers an insight into the rich biodiversity of Gabon.