Severely weakened by the political and military crisis of the 2000s, Comoé National Park, located in northern Côte d'Ivoire, is healing its wounds. Under the impetus of the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves (OIPR), a sustainable strategy has emerged: involving local communities in biodiversity protection by offering them economic alternatives to poaching.

Green alternatives to the everyday challenge

In Kokpingué, market gardening and beekeeping have been introduced to generate alternative income. However, the transition remains challenging and subject to the vagaries of nature.

1. Demanding profitability: Jean-Baptiste Ouattara, a local farmer, grows cucumbers and onions. While onions offer a quick harvest in four months, he notes the complexity of the task: "From the nursery to the harvest, you can't do it alone. You have to hire labor. It's not easy at all."
2. The perils of rural life: For Akoua Ouattara, president of the women's group, the last two years have been trying, between failed nurseries and a devastating passage of wildlife: "A hippopotamus trampled our crops and ruined everything. We had to fall back on okra to compensate for our losses."

An ecological and civic awareness

Despite these difficulties, the awareness-raising efforts are bearing fruit. The villagers have become true guardians of the forest, aware of global environmental issues.

“We denounce all illegal activities. As soon as gold miners or poachers infiltrate the area, we alert the OIPR. We are so involved because we understand the park’s impact on climate change and the importance of preserving the flora and fauna.” — Kouamé Ouattara , head of a village group.

Security: Between rumors of terrorism and the reality on the ground

Comoé National Park is regularly the subject of speculation regarding the infiltration of armed terrorist groups, due to its geographical proximity to Burkina Faso. This is a threat that aviation authorities are keen to downplay.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kissi, who is conducting aerial surveillance of the site from his ultralight aircraft, sought to reassure the public: "Since I started flying over the park, I have never spotted any armed terrorist groups. These remain just rumors. We are maintaining maximum vigilance to prevent any attempt at establishing a presence or launching an attack."

The real threat: Illegal gold mining

While the terrorist threat has not been confirmed within the park's boundaries, another reality threatens the ecosystem: illegal gold mining . This illegal activity, mainly carried out by local youth in this border area, remains the primary security and environmental challenge for the OIPR.