The project "SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT TROUGH PPI (protection-production-inclusion) Approach in Taï National Park landscape" is part of the implementation of the green growth plan of the Cavally region and contributes to the three pillars of the PPI Compact. To this end, it was prepared and will be implemented by six signatories of this platform and co-funded by IDH and OFI.

The project aims at containing and reducing the pressure on the Taï National Park and other protected areas in the eastern part of the Cavally region while improving the incomes of the region's populations.

The project specific objectives are:

-             Protect the source of the Hana River draining the TNP and 40,000 ha of the Cavally Classified Forest.

-             Improve the agricultural practices of coffee farmers and the income of farmers riparian communities.

These objectives line up with the Production-Protection-Inclusion (PPI) approach, which will serve as the framework for its implementation, through eight (8) key components.

This project started in 2023.

 

Production of high-yield coffee nurseries

During the third quarter of 2024, the production of coffee plants to rejuvenate coffee plantations was a success. 85% of the objectives were achieved. More than 637,500 coffee plants (85% of objectives achieved) were produced, of which 401,625 were distributed to 1,000 producers, representing a 63% distribution rate.

 

 

 

Raising awareness of Cavally Natural Reserve (CNR) conservation issues

In order to inform local residents and all stakeholders of the CNR's change in status, the project acquired communication media and materials, organized awareness-raising sessions, disseminated awareness-raising messages and publicized management activities.

These include five (5) megaphones, one (1) digital camera, five (5) speaker and microphone kits, one (1) video projector, one (1) projection stand and one (1) telephoto lens. In addition, the OIPR sector was equipped with a smart kit to raise awareness in local communities.

 

 

 

 

Sustainable development of the Cavally Natural Reserve

For the development of the RNC, project funding was earmarked for the opening and maintenance of 75 km of interior paths, the refreshment of signage, the reinforcement of boundary marking and the development of degraded areas within the protected area.

About the development of degraded areas, a total of 606.33 ha of land degraded by agricultural clearing was developed between June and September out of 2,500 to be developed.

 

 

Figure 4: Map of parcels developed at the RNC in the third quarter of 2024

Figure 5: Image of developed plots at RNC

 

 

 

Integrated management of the landscape around the source of the Hana river: development and implementation of a local convention for integrated management of the landscape around the source of the Hana river

 

The Hana River is an important water source for Taï National Park, providing drinking water for both flora and fauna. In recent years, however, its source has become increasingly polluted as a result of illegal gold panning, endangering the survival of the park's animals.

The challenge of protecting the source of the Hana River is to ensure integrated management of this river, by promoting collaboration with all stakeholders, in particular the manager, the local population, the local technical department in charge of mining, the scientific community, and the administrative and judicial authorities, within the framework of an agreement.

To this end, the project plans to organize a number of workshops to diagnose, draw up and validate the agreement, as well as a ceremony to sign the agreement.

To prepare for the implementation of these various activities, a launch workshop was held on August 28, 2024 in Sagboya, chaired by the Sous-préfet of Dapéoua and Gnamangui.  The workshop was attended by the NAWA Regional Director of the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the NAWA Regional Director of the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources (MIRAH) and the Buyo Departmental Directors of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production.

 

broadcast on DZSO's local radio partners. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the highlights of the launch workshop.

Figure 6: Opening address at the IDH/OLAM project launch workshop by the Sous-Préfet of Dapéoua

Figure 7: Photo of IDH/OLAM project launch workshop in Sagboya

 

 

 

Formalization and constitution of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VLSA)

In the framework of the PPI project (IDH/OLAM), it was planned to set up 35 AVECs. By the 3rd quarter of 2024 21 VSLAs have been set up, with an average of 30 people per VLSA. To date, 630 women out of 987, i.e. 63.82%, have been trained and coached on the advantages of VLSAs. Official incorporation documents are available and at the legalisation stage. Savings and loan books are being produced and will be distributed in the coming months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capacity-building workshop for women on the methodology for setting up Associations for the Promotion of Community Mutual Aid (APCMA)[1]

As part of the implementation of the “Sustainable Forest Management Through PPI” project co-financed by IDH and OFI in the Cavally region, it is planned to set up Associations for the Development of Community Mutual Aid (VSLAs), for the women of the region, particularly as part of the project's Social Inclusion component. The aim of this component is to support the empowerment of women coffee growers by facilitating their access to credit from microfinance institutions. This will enable them to develop agricultural businesses that require fewer forest resources.

In preparation for the activities to support this component, in particular the facilitation of the process of creating these VSLAs, IDH sought the expertise of the Department of Poverty Reduction Strategies of the Ministry of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty, with a view to building the capacities of the leaders of the women involved in the project and targeted by the Cavally Regional Council.

To this end, a capacity-building workshop was organised by IDH, in partnership with the Cavally Regional Council, in Guiglo from 9 to 13 December 2024.

This workshop, carried out in partnership with the Regional Council, the strategy department of the Ministry of Solidarity, OFI, UNACOOPEC-CI and Care International, was opened by the 5th vice-president of the Cavally Regional Council and aimed to empower women through the VSLA tool, by strengthening their skills in key areas such as the creation and operation of VSLA.

The workshop brought together 28 learners from local communities, accompanied by institutional and technical trainers, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Solidarity, the Regional Council and the project partners (OFI and UNACCOPEC-CI).

Thanks to a participatory methodology involving role-playing, practical scenarios and plenary presentations, the participants were able not only to acquire theoretical knowledge, but also to share their experiences and meet the challenges specific to their contexts.

The workshop also clarified the roles of the various players, introduced savings and credit mechanisms in line with the AVEC methodology, and established a framework for setting up income-generating activities. The signing of a commitment sheet by the participants and the involvement of partners such as OFI and UNACOOPE-CI are evidence of the collective will to make this initiative a success and to ensure sustainable follow-up in the communities.