The director of the Nawa Water and Forestry department, Kotchi Yavo, has called on stakeholders in the forestry sector to manage forest exploitation perimeters responsibly. The call was made during a meeting of the departmental committee to monitor the management of these perimeters, held in Soubré on September 29, 2026. The meeting was presided over by the prefect of the Nawa region, Kouamé Bi Kalou Clément.
The meeting aimed to present the regulatory framework for forestry exploitation and the challenges faced in managing these perimeters. There are 387 forest exploitation perimeters in Côte d'Ivoire, covering a total area of 13,643,573.31 hectares. Yavo explained that forestry exploitation involves logging, wood processing, and transportation for commercial purposes.
The monitoring committee plays a crucial role in improving forest perimeter management, preventing conflicts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The committee's advisory role includes proposing revisions to wood exploitation volumes, taxes, and reforestation measures. Its executive role involves monitoring the implementation of the regulations and decisions made by the committee.
Yavo identified several challenges, including damage to plantations, which can lead to conflicts between farmers and loggers, and issues accessing perimeters for wood evacuation. She also cited the competition posed by clandestine sawyers. The committee's role in addressing these challenges is vital to ensuring responsible forest management.
Prefect Kouamé Bi Kalou Clément emphasized the importance of the monitoring mechanism in protecting the forest cover and finding a balance between resource exploitation and preservation. He stressed that the forest is a significant wealth for the Nawa region and that its preservation is essential for future generations.
The meeting also discussed the contribution of economic returns from forestry exploitation and surface taxes to financing infrastructure in nearby villages. The decree on the committee's role in monitoring forest perimeter management was distributed to committee members after the discussions.
The Nawa region's efforts to promote responsible forest management are crucial for Côte d'Ivoire's environmental sustainability. The region's approach to balancing economic development with environmental protection serves as a model for other regions. Effective management of forest perimeters will help prevent conflicts and ensure the long-term preservation of the country's forest resources.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire has 387 forest exploitation perimeters covering 13,643,573.31 hectares.
- The Nawa region's monitoring committee plays a crucial role in improving forest management and preventing conflicts.
- Responsible forest management is essential for environmental sustainability and economic development in Côte d'Ivoire.
