Case Studies

Congo Forest

The Request:

To design an event that would increase awareness of new and existing initiatives for biodiversity conservation, ecotourism and forest management in the Congo Republic and complement the discussions of global warming that were at the forefront of the 61st session of the UN General Assembly.

Attendees:

700 invited guests including Heads of State, Members of the United Nations, the Security Council, the African Union and the Conservation community.

The Event:

Working in concert with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), INCEF, the National Geographic Society and the Congo Republic, the journey unfolded throughout the day...

We began with the unveiling of an engaging photography exhibition at the UN in the morning and followed this with a second exhibit and gala reception at the Central Park Zoo in the evening. Dynamic eye-catching images, maps, posters and films were nestled among three-dimensional forest-like settings while research equipment and authentic native elements of the Congo Republic were displayed in gallery-like museum cases encouraging further exploration.

A powerful arena for the event's message, the Central Park Zoo was selected as the venue for the evening reception. Pulling colors from the palette of the ROC flag, and working with native elements, guests were treated to a grand celebration with African flavor.

Tribal beats of authentic Congolese drummers heralded the arrival and welcomed guests with a striking wall of foliage, vines and cascading water marking the entrance.

Cocktails were offered throughout the central garden that was set aglow with dramatic lighting. Rustic wooden tables were infused with a sense of tradition and reflected a bit of native culture with accents of tropical florals, bamboo and foliage.

Basked in a warm glow of amber lighting, guests were also invited to lounge and dine in a large tent dressed to resemble a tropical rain forest. Defined by sheer fabric gently tied to allow for optimal viewing of the surrounding landscape and elegant hues of copper and amber, this tropical oasis offered seating at varying height tables dressed in copper linens and ivory lounge furnishings set amidst a forest of vines, flowers and tropical foliage.

Throughout the evening guests were treated to French and African infused cuisine, specialty African themed cocktails and captivating entertainment by authentic African dancers and drummers.

Result:

This was a spectacular journey that celebrated a proud culture and advanced appreciation and awareness of the Congo forests and their efforts for creating a sustainable ecosystem.