Protect threatened sea life along the Ivory Coast

Côte d’Ivoire’s Grand-Béréby coastline and nearshore area hosts some of the most significant marine life in West Africa. Sadly, encroachment from commercial fisheries has led to the over-exploitation of fish stocks, damaging the fragile marine ecosystems.

Rainforest Trust and our local partner, Conservation des Espèces Marines (CEM), are working to establish the Grand-Béréby Marine Protected Area. As Côte d’Ivoire’s first marine protected area, it will set an example for the future of marine conservation in the region. Together, we can protect this vulnerable shoreline and the unique species that depend on it.

Safeguard sea turtle habitat

The Grand Béréby Marine Protected Area spans 640,000 acres of coastal, mangrove and marine habitat and hosts vibrant sea life. Critically Endangered Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Endangered Blue Whales and many others have been spotted in these shallow rocky reefs. The shores also provide one of the most prominent sea turtle habitats in West Africa, hosting Endangered Green Turtles, Vulnerable Olive Ridleys and Leatherbacks during the breeding season.

Help local communities

This protection is also vital for communities. CEM has incorporated the natural resource needs of the local community into the management plan for the Grand Béréby Marine Protected Area.  Our partner is educating and assisting local communities with sustainable fishery practices and increasing eco-tourism to bolster the local economy.

In the future, Rainforest Trust is continuing our work to protect this vulnerable coastline with CEM on an additional 1.1 million-acre Marine Protected Area.