The workshop served as a framework for sharing experiences on the implementation of national action plans and for discussing the future of the APOI initiative, through its institutionalization, its sustainable financing in each country.

In this regard, Côte d'Ivoire has initiated strategic reforms in the agricultural and forest sectors, following the results achieved in the REDD+ mechanism. These focus on the adoption of a strategy to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture, new legislation coupled with a forest management strategy as well as the establishment of a framework for joint action between the public sector and cocoa agro-industries within the Cocoa and Forests Initiative.

In the palm oil sector, Mr. Constantin Kodjo Kouassi, President of the Interprofessional Association of the Oil Palm Sector in Côte d'Ivoire (AIPH), wanted to be reassuring. “We are promoting intensive agriculture for more yield per hectare. With REED+, we are teaching farmers new agricultural techniques that respect the environment. The traceability of all plots, in connection with sustainable development and the fight against child labour on plantations, are among our priorities”, explained the President of AIPH.

A representative of the United Kingdom Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, Messrs Felipe CARAZO from the Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) and Abraham BAFOUE, representing Africa from Porforest took part in this opening ceremony.