In Gagnoa, Côte d'Ivoire, the ProForêt project has initiated training sessions for technical agents from the Direction régionale des Eaux et forêt (DREF) of the Gôh region. The project, carried out by German cooperation (GIZ) under the Ministry of Eaux and forêts (MINEF), aims to improve the theoretical and operational skills of these agents. The training, which started on October 5, 2026, will equip the 95 beneficiaries with the necessary skills to effectively carry out their duties.
The training focuses on five key modules: the value chain approach to wood, sylviculture, forest inventories, cartography, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and local economy. These modules were developed with the support of the FRMi/GOPA consortium. According to Essokoua Michelle, the regional coordinator of GIZ in the Gôh region, the goal is to transform these agents into advisors for private operators in the forest and wood sector, rather than just controllers.
The ProForêt project is structured around four main components. The first component aims to promote and develop sustainable value chains for forest and agroforestry products. The second component focuses on improving the conditions for private sustainable forest and wood management in rural areas. The third and fourth components aim to enhance the advisory capacities of decentralized services and MINEF personnel, and to strengthen the engagement of local authorities and civil society groups in agroforestry.
The training, led by Catherine Vivien and Aoussou Menard, under the supervision of Oumar Mairou, will conclude on October 30, 2026, with the issuance of participation certificates. The project covers various activities, including the structuring and development of wood value chains, promotion of private sylviculture and agroforestry, territorial planning, and the valorization of NTFPs.
As of September 2026, the ProForêt project has achieved significant milestones, including the reforestation of over 4,700 hectares out of the planned 7,000 hectares by 2027. The reforestation efforts are spread across five regions: Gôh, Mé, Nawa, Indénie-Djuablin, and Moronou. The project also focuses on the inclusion of women in its activities.
The ProForêt project is a collaborative effort between the Ivoirian government and German cooperation (GIZ), with the goal of promoting sustainable forest management and improving the livelihoods of local communities. The project's success will depend on the effective implementation of its components and the active engagement of stakeholders, including local authorities, civil society groups, and private sector operators.
The training of technical agents is a crucial aspect of the ProForêt project, as it aims to build the capacity of local stakeholders to manage and conserve forest resources sustainably. By enhancing the skills of these agents, the project hopes to promote a culture of sustainable forest management and contribute to the conservation of Côte d'Ivoire's rich biodiversity.
Key points
- The ProForêt project aims to promote sustainable forest management and improve the livelihoods of local communities in Côte d'Ivoire.
- The project has achieved significant milestones, including the reforestation of over 4,700 hectares out of the planned 7,000 hectares by 2027.
- The training of technical agents is a crucial aspect of the ProForêt project, as it aims to build the capacity of local stakeholders to manage and conserve forest resources sustainably.
