The project's name Dancing spirits draws its inspiration from the animistic views of the Bayaka people. According to their beliefs, the forest comes alive with spirits that reveal themselves through nocturnal dances and spirited runs through villages, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums.

In the Republic of Congo, the rainforest covers 60% of the territory and the government has only divided it between logging companies and national parks. However, to the equation there’s a third actor: mining companies. If the first and the latter are interested in making larger profits, national parks try to preserve part of the environment. Logging and mining companies have a direct impact on the environment in terms of deforestation and pollution. Nevertheless, if we look at the local population what happens to them?

In a region marked by economic fragility, the prospect of steady employment in more stable country beckons people from various corners of Congo and neighboring nations. However, the construction of new roads, a consequence of these industrial activities, exerts undue pressure on the indigenous communities.

Their traditional territories are disrupted, mirroring an eviction from their ancestral homes. Indigenous communities, often called pygmies even if the term has a negative connotation, are marginalized because their traditional lifestyle conflicts with the contemporary socio-economic world. The Bayaka are hunter-gatherers who live exclusively from the forest.  

The influx of laborers also intensifies threats to wildlife. The ease of access to animals results in heightened hunting, putting species at risk. The demand for bushmeat is steadily rising in urban regions, driven by its distinct taste and the perception of it as a symbol of status.

The narrative unfolds as an intricate puzzle, where interests and consequences interconnect. But this puzzle is not just about resources; it encompasses lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. It's a challenge of coexistence, a pursuit to find harmony between humanity and the natural world, a riddle begging for a resolution that ensures prosperity without inflicting harm.