Abidjan, April 22, 2022 (AIP) - The Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) and the Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves (OIPR) have initiated a workshop on the assessment and orientation of scientific research activities in and around the Taï National Park (PNT), in order to update the information and define new perspectives for the constant improvement of knowledge.

This two-day workshop, which opened Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Abidjan-Cocody, aimed to establish the assessment of research and guidance for conservation and sustainable and inclusive management of this national park. Among the participants, are actors of conservation and local development, actors of research and beneficiaries of all interventions made in the Taï space.

According to the Director General of CSRS, Pr Inza Koné, this meeting, which is in its third edition, has become a tradition and is held every 10 years. "For decades, the CSRS has been continuously present in the Taï space with long-term projects (...) Several generations of CSRS researchers are products of the collaboration with the managers of the NTP and public universities," he added.

For his part, Head of Cooperation of the German Embassy In Côte d'Ivoire, Benjamin Laag, recalled that for over four decades the German Cooperation in Côte d'Ivoire has contributed and continues to contribute not only to the protection and management of the Taï National Park but also to the development of research in and around it. "The results of this workshop will therefore be essential to ensure that future support from the German cooperation to the TNP is in line with a sustainable development logic and corresponds to the real needs of the latter," he said.

On the side of the OIPR, Colonel N'Goan Djè François hopes that this workshop will allow to compare the achievements in scientific research on the national park of Taî, compared to the forecasts made on this site a decade ago. "I note at once that progress has been made, progress that allows us today to know a little more about the value of this site and species and ecosystems little known, "he added.

Located in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire, Taï National Park, with a total area of approximately 5,360 km², including the N'zo Partial Wildlife Reserve, represents more than 50% of the total area of West African forest areas under strict protection status. Due to its large size and exceptional heritage value, this park constitutes an immense genetic reservoir.

The TNP is managed by the Southwest Zone Directorate (DZSO) of OIPR.) Administratively, it covers three regions (Cavally, Nawa and San Pedro), six departments (Guiglo, Taï, Buyo, Méagui, San Pedro and Tabou) and 11 sub-prefectures (Guiglo, Nizahon, Taï, Zagné, Buyo, Dapéoua, Oupoyo, Gnamangui, Doba, Dogbo and Djouroutou) for a total area of 16,882 km².