Abidjan, Jan 11, 2022 (AIP) - Around 1500 inhabitants of the localities around the Banco National Park, the Dahliafleur and Mabi-Yaya nature reserves have been made aware of the importance of protected areas, reports a statement sent to the AIP.

In order to curb the degradation of biological diversity in its protected areas, Côte d'Ivoire initiated in 1995, in collaboration with development partners, a reform of the management of this sector. This process led to the adoption of the Framework Programme for the Management of Protected Areas (PCGAP).

It is in this same vein that the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves (OIPR) has benefited from the Integrated Management of Protected Areas in Côte d'Ivoire Project with the Banco National Park as a pilot site.

Thus, from 25 to 30 November 2021, an awareness-raising campaign initiated by the OIPR crisscrossed the villages bordering the Banco National Park and the Dahliafleur and Mabi-Yaya Nature Reserves in Abidjan and in the district of Yakassé-Attobrou (Mé region).

This awareness-raising campaign aimed at educating these populations on the policies of the Ivorian State and the efforts of development partners to reconcile the conservation of natural resources. This, in accordance with the interests of the populations in terms of socio-economic development.

In addition, the aim of awareness-raising was to gather the aspirations of populations concerning the protection of protected areas, which represent a common heritage.

The campaign targeted customary and administrative authorities, women's organizations, youth and student organizations, not to mention prefectural authorities. These are relays of information and awareness-raising among populations for the adoption of eco-citizen behaviors.