Rampant deforestation has decimated the coastal forests of Côte d’Ivoire, and the few that remain are highly threatened by wood harvesting for charcoal and industrial plantations for oil palm, rubber and cocoa.

In addition, the southwestern coast is experiencing a resumption of tourism activities. If protection measures are not undertaken in time, there is a major risk that this coastal zone on which so many species depend will be disrupted by uncontrolled development.

Protecting this key tract of vanishing coastal forest and adjacent wetlands, river, ponds, mangroves and beaches presents an unparalleled opportunity for conservation in Côte d’Ivoire. A recent Rainforest Trust-funded Rapid Protected Area Feasibility Study conducted by local partner Conservation des Espèces Marines revealed a treasure trove of biodiversity, including populations of the Critically Endangered Hawksbill Turtle, Slender-snouted Crocodile and Western Chimpanzee.

Rainforest Trust needs to raise $222,433 to help our partner protect 12,360 acres of this invaluable coastal ecosystem and establish the Dodo River Community Natural Reserve.

A large part of this ecosystem is comprised of coastal forests, mangroves and other wetlands which are threatened by wood harvesting for charcoal and industrial plantations for oil palm, rubber and cocoa.

Poaching of sea turtles and eggs on beaches as well as wildlife in forests is an ongoing threat, and illegal fishing continues in the region. In addition, this coastal area is experiencing a resumption of tourism activities. Protection needs to be immediately implemented to prevent uncontrolled development from making the coast unsuitable habitat for sea turtles and other wildlife.

Rainforest Trust and our local partner are working to create the 12,360-acre Dodo River Community Natural Reserve to protect the area’s rich species diversity.

The project includes a preliminary biodiversity study of the nearshore marine habitat as preparation for a future adjacent Marine Protected Area. Together, this would safeguard a total of 58,020 acres of this invaluable coastal ecosystem from the threats of industrial plantation development, uncontrolled fishing, hunting of other marine species and habitat disturbance.