Imagine a lush, green paradise slowly disappearing… 🌳 That is the heartbreaking reality currently facing Côte d'Ivoire. In a recent wake-up call, government officials revealed that the country has lost between 80% and 90% of its forest cover. 📉
The numbers are honestly staggering: the forest area has plummeted from approximately 16 million hectares down to nearly 3 million hectares. This is not just a statistic; it is a major blow to the planet's lungs and local biodiversity. 🌍✨
Speaking at a meeting in the western city of Man, the Minister of Water and Forests, Jacques Assahore Konan, expressed deep regret over the gradual degradation of the national forest cover since the country's independence. He pointed out that despite the resources mobilized, the results achieved so far have remained insufficient.
Why is this happening? 🧐 According to officials, the drastic reduction is mainly due to "uncontrolled and abusive exploitation." This has put massive pressure on forests, degraded vital water resources, and led to a worrying decline in biodiversity.
Minister Konan is now calling on all stakeholders in the forestry sector to make a firm commitment to fighting deforestation. He emphasized that the sustainable protection of forests and biodiversity in the country is no longer optional—it is a necessity. 🌿💪
As we move through 2026, the fight to protect our natural world is more critical than ever. It is time to redouble efforts to save what remains and restore the green! 💚💬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
