From Tuesday, June 30 to Friday, July 3, 2026, the city of Abidjan (Hôtel La Rose Blanche, Cocody) is hosting a strategic regional meeting. Around fifty participants—representatives of pastoral communities, governments, experts, and financial partners—are gathered there to develop the Abidjan Declaration , a key document aimed at transforming the governance of pastoralism in the region.

Organized by the Network of Pastoral Peoples of the Sahel and Africa (RPPS-A) and the World Alliance of Mobile Indigenous Peoples (WAMIP), this event is held in partnership with the Ivorian Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources. It also benefits from the support of leading international organizations (FAO, IOM, AVSF, ACF and PRAPS-2).

The major challenges at the heart of the debates

As part of the International Year of Pastors and Pastoral Care (IYRP 2026) , this meeting addresses crucial themes for the future of the sector:

1. Securing pastoral land and the sustainable management of natural resources.
2. Cross-border mobility and the prevention of agropastoral conflicts.
3. The inclusion of women and young people in governance bodies.

Strong statements for a threatened way of life

Joseph Nyemah (FAO Representative in Côte d'Ivoire): “Pastoralism is much more than a way of life. It constitutes a sustainable production system that enhances rangelands, preserves biodiversity, and ensures the livelihoods of millions of people.” He emphasized its key role in addressing the climate challenge and ensuring food security.

Assoumany Gouromenan (Chief of Staff, representing Minister Sidi Tiémoko Touré): Referring to the strong land pressure and tensions related to transhumance in Ivory Coast, he invited experts to design new approaches to modernize pastoralism while protecting this activity which is vital for sub-regional integration.

Dodo Boureima (Representative of pastoral organizations and WAMIP)

He described pastoralism as a "living heritage" now stifled by lack of land, insecurity, and climate change. He called for greater recognition of livestock farmers as agents of peace and social cohesion.

Heading to Mongolia and COP17

The significance of this meeting extends beyond African borders. The Abidjan 2026 Declaration will serve as a roadmap and global advocacy tool. It will be presented by delegates at the World Pastors' Gathering in August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, a crucial step before the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Conference on Combating Desertification ( COP17 ).