Faced with the climate emergency and the massive destruction caused by bushfires, Côte d'Ivoire is stepping up its efforts. The Ministry of Water and Forests officially launched a large-scale patrol operation on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, focusing on monitoring and deterrence, marking the start of a robust campaign for the dry season.

A strategy based on action and prevention

Every year, thousands of hectares of forests and plantations are reduced to ashes, resulting in considerable material losses and, tragically, loss of life. It is to put an end to this cycle of destruction that the Ivorian government initiated this deployment.

The launch ceremony took place in Kahankro , at the operational base inaugurated in April 2025. This infrastructure is the first of its kind, specifically designed for fighting fires in high-risk areas. It will serve as a central hub for prevention and rapid response. The ministry also plans to expand this strategic network by establishing other similar bases throughout the country.

2030 in sight

Representing Minister Laurent Tchagba, Chief Conservator Lucien Kouassi , Director General of Forests and Wildlife (DGFF), reiterated the crucial importance of this initiative. He emphasized that this campaign is a cornerstone of the national strategy aimed at achieving a forest cover rate of 20% by 2030 .

“Every year, fires destroy the forest, plantations, homes and unfortunately result in loss of human life. Faced with this sad reality, the minister has decided to put in place a robust system to counter the phenomenon,” he stated, pointing to the Kahankro area as one of the most vulnerable.

Three critical zones, 60 agents mobilized

The 2025 campaign, which will extend over the driest months (December to March), will focus on three major corridors:

Area	Covered Route
Zone A	From the Singrobo toll plaza to the Taabo interchange.
Zone B	From the Taabo interchange to the Toumodi interchange.
Zone C	The Djékanou–Dimbokro axis.

Sixty agents from the Water and Forestry Department and the National Office of Civil Protection (ONPC) have been specially trained for this mission. Their role is twofold: to conduct daily patrols for early detection, and above all, to intensify awareness campaigns among village communities. The goal is to change behaviors and report any incipient fire before it escalates.

Zero tolerance for hunting lights

Mr. Kouassi emphasized the need for citizen cooperation and exemplary conduct from the teams. He specifically warned against fires linked to bushmeat hunting , a practice that remains all too widespread, particularly around Toumodi.

"Between capturing bushmeat and losing human lives, the choice should not suffer any hesitation," the DGFF insisted, recalling that many hunters are themselves victims of the fires they start.

In conclusion, Lucien Kouassi linked the success of the firefighting efforts to the success of major reforestation projects: “If what is reforested goes up in smoke, it’s like a snake biting its own tail. We’re not making any progress. 2030 is just around the corner.” The government is therefore making a solemn appeal for citizen mobilization to guarantee the survival of Côte d’Ivoire’s forest heritage.