Rattan is a species used for basketry, baskets, furniture, etc. These plants are harvested from natural populations found in forests. Artisans are now finding it difficult to find the raw material they need to sustain their activities.

So, as part of its studies, the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) felt that it could act upstream to make the species available, and then plant them so as to promote the sustainability of all the activities carried out with these plants. It has implemented a project known as “Multipalms”, the second phase of which began on Tuesday September 3, 2024, in Adiopodoumé. The project covers Côte d'Ivoire, Benin and Ghana. According to Dr Doudjo Ouattara, forest botanist, associate researcher at the Centre Suisse, regional coordinator of this project and teacher-researcher at Nangui Abrogoua University, the problems are the same.

He explains that the CSRS, which is a multidisciplinary entity, is investing in such a project because it is part of the dynamics of a new strategic plan. Through this, it is reaffirming its position with regard to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “We're talking about transdisciplinary research here, in the sense that we work with researchers from all disciplines, while looking at the communities we're working for. This is part of the center's leitmotiv,” emphasizes the regional coordinator. The slogan is “Research in sustainable partnership”.

The project actually began five years ago. The first phase, which has just been completed, involved identifying sites where researchers could obtain seeds. In this first phase, ethnobotanist studies, i.e. studies with communities to find out about the different uses of these plants, were carried out before the nurseries were built. It is these nurseries, therefore, that really kick-start the second phase through awareness-raising and action in the field through planting operations.

“Multipalms” is financed by the Audemars Piguet Foundation, whose main activity is to work with artisans.

According to Didier Roguet of the Audemars Piguet Foundation, these craftsmen face major problems in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin and Ghana. They find fewer and fewer raw materials due to the disappearance of forests and lowlands. Working alongside them means working towards reforestation. “A form of active reforestation. Insofar as people are directly involved in planting, but also in monitoring the trees. In this way, we're promoting a form of activity for CSRS staff, who are expected to monitor their tree”.

The project, which began five years ago, will run until 2027. Over the course of the day, more than 100 rattan palms belonging to four species, including one in danger of extinction (Eremospatha dransfieldii), were planted around the Centre Suisse forest.

Par Edouard Koudou/Frat Mat