Abstract

The sacred forests of Côte d'Ivoire represent a crucial point of reference for nearby communities in terms of their sense of identity. These forests are steeped in village lore and lineages; they provide information on relations with other people, close or far; and they are benchmarks of social reassurance (harmonious relations with the gods and the spirits, settlement of land disputes, relations with ancestors...). For a long time, the cultural practices of the native populations (masks, interdicts, tabous, totems...) have thus contributed to the protection of habitats, flora and fauna, and to the preservation of biodiversity. Unfortunately, there is now pressure to change the status of these forests. There are frequest conflicts between those who want to protect sacred forests for cultural reasons, and those who consider them a resource to be developed.

The main objective of the first phase of this project (002982/958171) was attained: the compilation of an inventory of the sacred forests, and their classification by type, throughout Côte d'Ivoire. The global objective of this 30-month project, piloted by a non- governmental organization, Croix Verte de Côte d'Ivoire, is to preserve the sacred forests and their inherent biodiversity through protection strategies based on the cultural practices of the local populations while, at the same time, taking into consideration the socio-economic interests of the other stakeholders. To reach this goal, researchers will undertake two specific objectives: i) to develop appropriate strategies to preserve the sacred forests and their biodiversity and; ii) to determine the value, in terms of biodiversity (food and medicinal plants, rare and threatened varieties), of the sacred forests. Using a participative approach, communities,belonging to three traditional seigniorial groups,will be assisted in diagnosing the threats, the factors leading to divergent interests and the conflicts centred on the sacred forests, and in drafting a charter granting special status to the sacred forests. The results will be shared with the countries in the sub-region and will be published.

Recipient Institution(s)