The shield is supported by two black panthers and an okoumй tree symbolizing the timber trade. The ship represents Gabon moving towards a brighter future. The coat of arms is unusual in having two ribbons with mottos in two different languages. The ribbon below the shield has the motto in French 'UNION, TRAVAIL, JUSTICE' ('Union, Work, Justice'). The second ribbon is placed beneath the branches of the okoumй tree and has the motto in Latin 'UNITI PROGREDIEMUR' ('Let us go forward united'). (Dorling-Kindersley Flag Pocket Book, FOTW)