Society and Environment: The Preservation and Development of Wildlife and Flora, Combating Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Drought in Côte d’Ivoire and, in general, in West Africa within the ECOWAS region.

Joint French Mission in Paris – Soundélé Konan Foundation and the National Coordination for the Country Programme of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, linked to ECOWAS countries, on the sidelines of the “International Conference on Agriculture” (SIA).

The Soundélé Konan Foundation, represented by its president, Adrienne Soundélé, participated in an international conference on agriculture and water on 5 March in Paris. This event, initiated by the Carrefour des Acteurs Sociaux et du Partenariat Eurafricain, took place in the prestigious setting of the French Academy of Agriculture, highlighting the importance of the topics discussed.

The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and representatives of non-governmental organisations to discuss the challenges posed by global warming, particularly its impacts on agriculture and water resource management. The participation of the Soundélé Konan Foundation in this event demonstrates its ongoing commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

At the conclusion of the discussions, Laurent Dornon, head of the Agriculture Department at the Carrefour des Acteurs Sociaux et du Partenariat Eurafricain, expressed his gratitude to Ms Soundélé for the presence and contribution of the Foundation at the conference.

Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of continuing collaborations between their organisations to better address environmental challenges. “We are committed to raising awareness of climate change issues, the importance of agriculture, and respect for nature, as well as conveying key messages to better prepare for the future,” Mr Dornon stated in his official correspondence.

The conference provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas on innovative solutions for climate-resilient agriculture and more sustainable water resource management. The discussions also highlighted the necessity of strengthened cooperation between African and European countries to tackle these shared challenges.

The Soundélé Konan Foundation, known for its commitment to forest protection projects in Africa, continues to play a key role in promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices and raising awareness about the impacts of climate change. Its participation in this conference in France marks a significant step in its international efforts and strengthens its position as a major player in the field of sustainable development.

Reported:
Fofana Vamara
IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Journalist

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Commissioner of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation / Interpol Center USA, Fofana Vamara, has received an official invitation to participate in the prestigious Civil Society Organisation Forum (CSO Forum), scheduled to take place on 8 May 2025 at the Bank’s headquarters – CCIA Building in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The event will be preceded by special technical sessions scheduled for 6 and 7 May 2025, available also online.

The CSO Forum is a significant event bringing together members of civil society organisations from around the globe, providing a platform for exchanging experiences, building collaborations, and jointly advocating for positive social change.

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation / Interpol Center USA proudly announces the active participation of its representative, Commissioner Fofana Vamara, who also serves as an IHRC press journalist. His presence at this event highlights IHRC’s commitment to supporting civil society activities and international cooperation.

Organisational details regarding the Forum will soon be provided by the organiser, the Civil Society and Community Engagement Division.

We warmly congratulate our Commissioner on this honour and encourage everyone interested to follow coverage of this event through our informational channels.

Reported:
Fofana Vamara
IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Journalist

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A high-level working session between representatives of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the senior leadership of the African Development Bank (AfDB) was held at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on 4 February 2025. The meeting aimed to conduct an annual review of the 2021–2030 reform agenda, programs, and community micro-projects under the IHRC National Programme for Côte d’Ivoire, affiliated with ECOWAS member states.

This initiative is part of IHRC’s technical framework, designed to monitor and evaluate the progress of reforms and projects supported by international development partners, including the African Development Bank and other multilateral execution agencies.

Strengthening Climate Action and Sustainable Development

Discussions focused on the African Development Bank’s priorities in the fields of climate adaptation and sustainable development, particularly through initiatives led by its Department for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Climate Action Window. A key highlight was the evaluation of reforms and strategies aimed at supporting environmental protection and climate resilience, both of which are essential for local communities and long-term economic stability.

As part of this engagement, official documentation was presented, and the Provisional Office of the Technical Unit of the National Coordination for the IHRC Country Programme was formally introduced. This unit will be responsible for supervising and evaluating reforms, programs, and community micro-projects, working in direct collaboration with the African Development Bank and its Climate Action Window within the African Development Fund (ADF).

Official Submission of the COP 29 Report

The session concluded with the official submission of a joint report, detailing the participation of IHRC representatives in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29), which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. This report outlines key outcomes and recommendations in the global fight against climate change and highlights the contributions of the IHRC delegation to international discussions.

Emphasising the Importance of International Cooperation

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of coordinated international action in accelerating the implementation of reforms and ensuring the effective oversight of social and environmental projects. Participants underscored the need for multilateral collaboration between international organisations, financial institutions, and local initiatives to support the sustainable and inclusive development of Côte d’Ivoire and the wider ECOWAS region.

Participants in the Session:

• Mr. Daouda Ouattara—Assistant to the Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
• Mr. Fofana Vamara—Country Representative, Regional Coordinator, and Commissioner (IHRC-C 0013), as well as Climate Focal Point for the IHRC Country Programme in Côte d’Ivoire, affiliated with ECOWAS.
• Mr. Essouetchi Etchien Constantin—Technical Adviser for Climate Change Mitigation, delegated to the National Coordination of the IHRC Country Programme for Côte d’Ivoire.
• Mr. Cyrille Koffi—Member of the Soundélé Konan Foundation, dedicated to wildlife and forest conservation.

Conclusion

This high-level session marked a significant step towards building a cohesive and long-term strategy for environmental protection and socio-economic stability in Côte d’Ivoire. IHRC, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, remains committed to supporting climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives in close coordination with international partners and civil society organisations.

Article prepared by:
Fofana Vamara—IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Jurnalist

The post Côte d’Ivoire: IHRC and the African Development Bank Strengthen Cooperation for Reform and Sustainable Development first appeared on ihrc.news.

This agreement aligns with commitments made by Côte d’Ivoire during international summits, including COP21, under the Paris Climate Agreement, where the country pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural resources, essential for the long-term environmental stability of the region. It reflects a shared commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection, especially as deforestation remains a significant threat to biodiversity and climate.

Adrienne Soundélé, President of the Soundélé Konan Foundation, described this collaboration as a crucial step in the fight for forest protection in Côte d’Ivoire. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to building a brighter future, where forests reclaim their central place in our ecosystem and economy,” she stated.

Fofana Vamara, IHRC Resident Representative, highlighted the tangible benefits of this project, which receives substantial support from the Department for Climate Change Mitigation and Civil Society Organisations of the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as potential multilateral international partners engaged in combating global warming and preserving biodiversity. “The goal is to support the people of Gagnoa, a key cocoa-producing region, in adopting sustainable agricultural practices that are forest and environmentally friendly,” he explained.

At the core of this initiative are two promising approaches: agroforestry and forestry. These techniques integrate trees into agricultural systems, allowing biodiversity preservation while improving yields and farmers’ incomes. For the Gagnoa region, the heart of cocoa cultivation, transitioning to more sustainable practices is essential.

Deforestation, primarily driven by extensive agriculture, has reduced Côte d’Ivoire’s forest cover by over 80% in the past 50 years. In response to this alarming situation, the government has committed to restoring 20% of its forests by 2030. The partnership between the Soundélé Konan Foundation and IHRC is part of a broader effort to realise these ambitious goals.

The signing of this agreement marks a turning point in the fight against deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire, opening new avenues for collaboration between the public sector, non-governmental organisations, and local communities in implementing effective forest conservation programs. It showcases the ability of local and international actors to work together in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of environmental, economic, and social issues.

As Côte d’Ivoire continues to play a central role in global cocoa production, this partnership could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, particularly in West Africa, where deforestation driven by intensive agriculture poses a serious threat to ecosystems and local communities.

Attendees at the Meeting:

1. Adrienne Soundélé—President and General Director of the Soundélé Konan Foundation for the Protection and Development of Wildlife and Flora, recipient of the National Excellence Award 2015.
2. Fofana Vamara—Country Representative, Regional Coordinator, and IHRC Commissioner—Country Representative, Regional Coordinator, and IHRC Commissioner (C-0013) for the Country Programme of the International Human Rights Commission -IHRC in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, affiliated with ECOWAS countries.
3. Essouetchi Etchien Constantin—Technical Advisor for Climate Change Mitigation, delegated to the National Coordination for the Country Programme of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, affiliated with ECOWAS countries.
4. Sylvain N’Guessan—Representative of the Soundélé Konan Foundation—Representative of the Soundélé Konan Foundation for the Protection and Development of Wildlife and Flora.
5. Cyrille Koffi—Member of the Soundélé Konan Foundation for the Protection and Development of Wildlife and Flora.
6. Assamoi Maxime—Member of the Soundélé Konan Foundation for the Protection and Development of Wildlife and Flora.

Issued in Abidjan, Plateau, 30 January 2025.

Article prepared by:
Fofana Vamara—IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Jurnalist
Sylvain N’Guessan—Representative of the Soundélé Konan Foundation

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The meeting gathered key financial and climate experts, including participants from:

1.The Adaptation Fund under the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of Colombia.
2.The Ministry of Environment of Colombia.
3.The ANNA PERENA Foundation, represented by Ms. Jenny de la Torre Córdoba, President of the Foundation and Special Adviser, with ministerial rank, to the President of Colombia on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
4.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.
5.The Soundelé Konan Foundation—for the protection and development of fauna and flora.
6.The Global Representative of GEDUS NETWORKS, Inc.

The discussions centred around the issue of access to funding for the implementation of joint community projects in Africa and South America, with a particular emphasis on the Republic of Colombia. Within the framework of this international initiative, held under COP16, the aim was to develop a strategy for multilateral and bilateral cooperation within environmental diplomacy to effectively implement joint community projects to combat climate change.

Colombia was chosen as the host for these discussions intentionally, being a country with significant tropical forest coverage, playing a key role in protecting biodiversity. The stakeholders defined several main areas of action:

Review of community projects in the form of pilot drafts – Rapid establishment of an environmental diplomatic representation in Bogotá with a coordinating unit responsible for cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Colombia concerning biodiversity protection and combating climate change.Finding swift and effective solutions to mobilise resources for the implementation of joint climate projects.

The institutions of the Republic of Colombia are fully involved in these efforts aimed at protecting biodiversity and combating climate change. This support program is a joint technical and financial initiative designed to effectively counteract the negative impacts of climate change.

The National Coordination of the Country Programme of IHRC for Côte d’Ivoire, linked with ECOWAS countries and other partners, including the Soundelé Konan Foundation and GEDUS NETWORKS, once again demonstrate their readiness and commitment to fighting the climate crisis through the joint implementation of community projects aimed at environmental protection.

Reported:
Vamara Fofana
IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Jurnalist

The post International Cooperation – Environmental Diplomacy first appeared on ihrc.news.

Driven by its mission to support democratic electoral processes, IHRC is monitoring the entire electoral cycle – from registration to the publication of results – to ensure transparency and credibility throughout. Observing the review and update of the electoral roll for 2024-2025 in Côte d’Ivoire is a vital step towards promoting electoral integrity.

IHRC observers work according to recognised international standards, monitoring each stage of the electoral process to ensure alignment with national regulations and democratic principles. Their assessment is based on transparent and objective criteria, reinforcing IHRC’s professionalism in conducting observation missions.

The electoral roll review is conducted under Article 6 of the Electoral Code, which mandates the national electoral commission to annually update the register. The purpose of these actions includes registering new voters, updating information, removing individuals who have lost voting rights, and recording voting location changes upon voter request. The roll will cover individuals already registered (8,012,425 voters, including 99,241 abroad), as well as new adults and previously unregistered individuals who meet citizenship criteria and have full political rights.

The review process commenced on 19 October and will continue until 10 November 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire and across 21 countries where eligible voters reside. These actions are conducted under the accreditation granted by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and are supervised by IHRC observers, who ensure procedural compliance and transparency.

As a neutral observer, IHRC aims to collaborate with local institutions, fostering public trust and ensuring the electoral process adheres to international standards. Through close cooperation with national bodies, IHRC strengthens electoral transparency and promotes democratic development.

At the conclusion of the mission, IHRC will publish a final report that includes analysis and recommendations for future electoral processes. This report, available to the public, serves as a critical tool for strengthening democratic elections and promoting transparency in future procedures.

The team of 26 experienced IHRC observers active in Côte d’Ivoire monitors all aspects of the electoral roll review, ensuring the process’s integrity. Their role includes rigorous oversight of registration and data update stages in full adherence to democratic principles.

The IHRC observers participating in the mission are:
Commissioner IHRC Mr. Fofana Vamara, Mr. Diawara Kalil Aboubakary, M. Eby Noel N’Gouan, Mr. Ouattara Ali, Mlle. Coulibaly Yelli Maimouna, Mr. Belafonte Bitty Rocard Max, Mme. Aka Danielle Sympathie, Mr. Bakayoko Inza, Mme. Icha Itam Akpama, Mr. Prmo Kouakou Alexis, Mr. Mohamed Aly Diabate, Mme. Kouyate Kadidja, Mr. Ouattara Seydou, M. Kouassi Jean Nichael N’Douffou, Mlle. Kouakou Adjoa Madeleine, Mlle. Kouakou Aya Flora, Mr. Cisse Sekou, M. Diarra Idriss, Mlle. Kone Massiami Sidney, Mr. Alou Yao Ange, Mme. Gohonn Pelagie Alou Epse Yao, Mr. Yoroba Armel Brice, Mr. Dokpe Otchere Paulin, Mlle. Koffi Marie-Ange Colombe, Mlle. Koffi Ahou Lucette, Mr. Kouassi Abohaya Koffi Justin.

In fulfilling its mission in Côte d’Ivoire, IHRC contributes to strengthening democratic standards and ensuring electoral transparency, representing a significant step towards regional stability and the rule of law.

Reported:
Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department

The post Observation Mission in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire first appeared on ihrc.news.

IHRC High-Level Delegation Visit by its Resident Country Representative Commissioner for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Fofana VAMARA, to the Resident Representative of ECOWAS, in Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Madam Ambassador Fanta Cisse in Abidjan.

This is on the sidelines of a high-level working visit of the Country Resident Representative, Commissioner, and Regional Coordinator of the International Human Rights Commission, Country Program for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire linked jointly to the Space Countries ECOWAS and the G5_SAHEL, to the Resident Representative of ECOWAS in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, therefore Her Excellency Madam FANTA CISSE.

The exchanges between the two high-level personalities focused on various initiatives of the National Coordination for the Country Program of the International Human Rights Commission for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, obviously in favor of the ECOWAS countries, intending to carry out better coordination of joint actions in favor of Peace, Protection of Human Rights, Security, Development and Regional Stability, and possible frameworks for bilateral and sub-regional Cooperation with the Countries of ECOWAS.

• It is at the end of the said meeting qualified as very high level that we proceeded to the official submission of the report resulting from the joint observation mission of the double Regional and Municipal election of September 2, 2023, which was attached to the provisional list possible Goodwill Ambassadors of the National Coordination, who will very soon be delegated to the Resident Representation of #ECOWAS in Côte d’Ivoire.

At the various levels, we discussed the joint preparations for the Next African Cup of Nations #CAN_2023, in Ivory Coast, as well as the preparations for the presidential elections to come in 2025.

The working session took place in the presence of Her Excellency Ambassador FANTA CISSE, in her capacity as Resident Representative of #ECOWAS, in Côte d’Ivoire,

2 – Sir. BAYO KWAME BASSIRU (Protocol Officer/Administrative Assistant #ECOWAS

3- Madam. ACADIER (Office Manager, Rep.Res. ECOWAS)

4- Mr. VAMARA FOFANA (Country Resident Representative, Regional Coordinator and Commissioner, #IHRC, Country Program, For the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

Finally, for his part, Excellency Madam Ambassador Fanta Cisse welcomed the initiatives presented by the National Coordinator, which once again reflect the constant support of the Resident Representation of ECOWAS, and its Member States alongside the National Coordination for the Country Program, of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC, for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, linked jointly to the countries of the ECOWAS area and the G5_SAHEL

Reported:
Fofana VAMARA
IHRC Commissioner and Representative in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
November 7, 2023.

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief

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