Côte d'Ivoire is shining on the international sustainability stage. On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Abidjan, fourteen Ivorian villages officially received certificates of recognition awarded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This distinction, presented in partnership with the Ivorian government, recognizes their exemplary initiatives in sustainable development.

An international showcase for local expertise

This distinction is part of the FAO MuNe (Food and Agriculture Museum and Network) project, a large-scale initiative launched for the organization's 80th anniversary. Thanks to this recognition, these 14 locations will join a global network and be listed on the FAO's digital platform, thus promoting the sharing of experiences and the dissemination of best practices internationally.

For Joseph Nyemah, FAO representative in Côte d'Ivoire, this project highlights rural communities that are building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems. He particularly commends the crucial involvement of all local stakeholders:

"This initiative values the commitment of women, youth, producers, fishers, livestock farmers, artisans, and community leaders in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

Alignment with national environmental ambitions

Present at the ceremony, Saraka Adolphe, technical advisor and representative of the Minister of Water and Forests, warmly congratulated the award recipients. He encouraged them to persevere in protecting natural resources and passing on agricultural traditions. According to him, these local efforts perfectly align with the presidential vision of restoring forest cover, preserving biodiversity, and revitalizing rural areas.

On behalf of the recipients, the chief of the village of Aniassué, Samin Kimi, expressed the pride of the communities and reaffirmed their desire to transform this distinction into a real lever for development, combining environmental protection and cultural enhancement.

The 14 villages in the spotlight

Mostly located in the east of the country, the distinguished localities are:

1. Ebilassokro
2. Kirifi
3. Zaranou
4. Adaou
5. Aboutoukro
6. Ebimolokro
7. Béhoué
8. Zaipobly
9. Liably
10. Amanvi
11. Soko
12. Assempanayé
13. Aniassué
14. Appouéba

A remarkable national performance

Côte d'Ivoire has achieved a remarkable feat: its 14 villages were rigorously selected from over 300 applications from 69 countries . This outstanding success testifies not only to the richness of Côte d'Ivoire's rural heritage, but also to the diversity and effectiveness of its production systems in the face of today's climate challenges.