The Forgotten Mango Trees of the Slave Route: A Living Memorial in Crisis

2 million people. 3 sacred paths. And the mango trees that stood watch.

Along the western coast of Central Africa, the transatlantic slave trade left a trail of pain, resilience, and memory-etched not just in records, but in the land itself. Centuries later, some of the last living witnesses to this history still stand: the mango trees lining the slave routes to the Bay of Loango.

But today, these ancient trees face extinction.

The Slave Route and Its Silent Witnesses

Nearly 2 million Africans were forcibly taken from what is now the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, and Cabinda. They were marched toward the coast, along three major paths, toward ships that would carry them to the Caribbean and the Americas.

Those paths were lined with mango trees, planted in double rows, providing shade, nourishment, and unintentionally, a record of their journey. Some of these trees still stand, hundreds of years old, living relics of a harrowing past.

The Mango Tree Weevil: A New Threat to Old Roots

Today, all of these historic trees are under threat. The mango stone weevil has infested every tree along the route, making them unable to bear fruit, and putting their survival in jeopardy.

Without urgent action, the last living markers of this journey could be lost forever.

Replanting Memory: The Mission to Restore

The Matatchébo Project, led by COOVERT, is a bold and sacred effort to preserve this heritage. Its mission:

• Treat existing mango trees along the slave routes

• Reproduce their lineage and grow seedlings

• Replant 2 million mango trees—one for each life taken from this region during the slave trade

These seedlings will be planted along the original routes in the Republic of Congo, and distributed globally to become symbols of peace, unity, and historical awareness.

One Dollar. One Tree. One Tribute.

Anyone can honor this legacy. For just $1, you can sponsor a mango seedling and become part of a global living memorial. Trees will be planted locally and shared around the world, spreading hope while preserving history.

Witness. Remember. Replant.

This is more than an environmental project. It’s a tribute. A reawakening of history. And a chance to participate in something that brings dignity to the past while sowing life for the future.

Let the mango tree grow again—on soil, in memory, and in unity.

Donate Today!