Eni has signed an agreement with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Water and Forests to implement a large-scale project aimed at preserving and restoring forest ecosystems. This initiative, spanning 155,000 hectares across 14 forests in the Lagunes and Comoé regions in southern Côte d’Ivoire, represents a significant commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable land management.
Building on Local Collaboration
The project follows a feasibility study initiated in September 2022, which involved extensive consultation with local stakeholders. The selected forest areas were identified in close collaboration with Côte d’Ivoire’s authorities, ensuring alignment with regional environmental priorities and national strategies.
Key Areas of Focus
The agreement outlines two primary intervention areas:
- Conservation of Existing Forests
- Strengthening current measures to prevent deforestation, illegal logging, fires, and poaching.
- Enhancing biodiversity protection through awareness-raising programs and targeted training for local communities and institutions.
- Promoting sustainable practices to maintain the remaining forest heritage.
- Forest Restoration and Agro-Forestry
- Rehabilitating approximately 130,000 hectares of degraded land by planting 12 million native trees.
- Introducing agro-forestry techniques to foster sustainable farming, boost soil productivity, and support local agriculture.
- Integrating reforestation efforts with the socio-economic development of farming communities.
Aligning with National and Corporate Goals
The project aligns closely with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plans and its strategy to combat deforestation. These efforts contribute to reducing emissions while restoring critical forest areas, vital for ecological balance and climate mitigation.
For Eni, the initiative is a key element of its decarbonization plan, supporting its commitment to achieving net-zero upstream emissions (Scope 1 and 2) in the Baleine development project. This dual alignment with national and corporate strategies underscores the collaborative approach to addressing global environmental challenges.
Empowering Communities and Enhancing Biodiversity
Central to the project is the involvement of local communities. Through education and training, Eni aims to build awareness of sustainable land use and conservation practices. This participatory approach ensures that conservation efforts are not only effective but also benefit those living in and around these forests.
Biodiversity conservation plays a pivotal role, with the project focusing on safeguarding native species and preventing habitat loss. The introduction of agro-forestry supports sustainable agriculture, balancing ecological preservation with economic productivity for farming communities.
A Long-Term Vision for Environmental Stewardship
This initiative reflects Eni’s broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By focusing on both conservation and restoration, the project provides a model for integrating climate action with socio-economic development.
Global Implications
The agreement represents a significant step in the global fight against deforestation and climate change. By restoring 130,000 hectares of forest and planting millions of native trees, the project contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and the enhancement of local ecosystems.
Furthermore, the initiative sets a benchmark for collaboration between governments and private entities in addressing shared environmental challenges. It demonstrates how partnerships can leverage expertise, resources, and local knowledge to create impactful and sustainable solutions.
