On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, celebrated this Thursday, May 22, 2026, Côte d'Ivoire sounded the alarm regarding the critical degradation of its ecosystems. Through Abou Bamba, Minister of the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition, the government reaffirmed its political will to restore its biological capital, under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara.

Placed under the theme "Acting locally for a global impact" , this 2026 edition calls for a collective surge to protect natural resources and transform agricultural practices.

A unique heritage on the edge of the abyss

Ivory Coast boasts exceptional ecological wealth (forests, lagoons, savannas, marine areas). Yet, this natural shield is now being suffocated by deforestation, illegal gold mining, uncontrolled urbanization, and climate change.

The official figures (2024 statistics) demonstrate the severity of the crisis:

1. Elephants: Fewer than 500 individuals are recorded today, compared to nearly 100,000 in the 1960s.
2. Fauna and flora: More than 60 bird species are threatened; many plant varieties have already disappeared.
3. Coastline in peril: More than two-thirds of the coastline is suffering severe erosion, receding by 1 to 2 meters per year. Localities like Lahou Kpanda and Gonzagueville are inexorably losing ground to the ocean.

The State's Response Plan: From Reforms to Concrete Actions

To reverse the trend, the government is deploying a multi-sectoral strategy aligned with international standards (the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework).

Targeted actions on land and at sea:

1. Reforestation and laws: Strengthening the legal framework and implementing the National Reforestation Plan.
2. Marine sanctuaries: Stabilization of the Grand-Lahou sandbar, creation of the National Coastal Management Agency (ANAGIL) and the Grand-Béréby Marine Protected Area (five other areas are in the process of being labeled).

The key objective: To integrate nature conservation directly into economic policies and give more decision-making power to local communities.

A call for eco-citizenship: "Every action counts"

For Minister Abou Bamba, victory against ecological decline cannot be achieved without a general mobilization. Civil societies, private companies, scientists, women, and young people are called upon to unite.

The government is urging the population to abandon harmful practices (bushfires, water pollution, poaching) and become agents of change through reforestation. Citizens are also encouraged to report any environmental damage by calling the toll-free number 1372 .

The sustainable future and resilience of Ivory Coast will depend on the sum of these local commitments.