Researchers from the University of Exeter worked alongside local NGO Conservation des Esp\u00e8ces Marines (CEM) to support the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition, through the Directorate for the Protection of Nature (DPN) in developing the scientific evidence underpinning the network.<\/p>\n
The announcement comes at the Our Ocean<\/a> conference in Kenya.<\/p>\n \u201cOur commitment is clear: to establish a connected and well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas, aligned with the global 30\u00d730 target,\u201d said Mr Kouadio Kouakou Parfait, Chief of Staff to the Minister for Environment and Ecological Transition of C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we cannot achieve this alone. We call on our partners to support C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire in translating this commitment into action \u2013 through investment, technical cooperation, and capacity building.<\/p>\n \u201cTogether, we can protect our ocean, sustain our fisheries, and ensure a resilient future for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 G\u00f3mez Pe\u00f1ate, Founder of CEM, said: \u201cThis commitment reflects years of fieldwork, collaboration and engagement with coastal communities across C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n \u201cThe proposed network protects some of the country\u2019s most important marine and coastal ecosystems, including turtle nesting beaches and migratory corridors<\/a>, mangroves, lagoons, coral and rocky reefs, and high biodiversity areas in the open ocean.<\/p>\n \u201cThe announcement marks an important milestone, but implementation will be key. By working together with government authorities, local communities and international partners, we have the opportunity to create a network that delivers lasting benefits for biodiversity, fisheries and future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n The sites, separated by an average distance of about 75km, were selected to strengthen ecological connectivity across C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s marine habitats, thereby facilitating species movement and sustaining ecological processes between coastal, shelf and the open ocean.<\/p>\n Dr Kristian Metcalfe, from the University of Exeter, said: \u201cTogether, this network represents the most significant advancement in marine conservation in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n \u201cIt provides a roadmap for meeting national and international biodiversity commitments, while supporting sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, and the development of a thriving blue economy.\u201d<\/p>\n The announcement was made at Our Ocean 2026 \u2013 Tuesday 16 June WIO-C Pavilion (2- 4 pm GMT) \u2013 From Commitments to Action: Africa\u2019s Ocean Leadership for Effective 30\u00d730.<\/p>\n La C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire annonce un r\u00e9seau d\u2019Aires Marines Prot\u00e9g\u00e9es<\/p>\n La C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire a annonc\u00e9* l\u2019ambition de cr\u00e9er six nouvelles Aires Marines Prot\u00e9g\u00e9es (AMP), d\u2019ici 2030, portant\u00a0 le r\u00e9seau national \u00e0 sept AMP, a termes, destin\u00e9 a \u00ab prot\u00e9ger notre oc\u00e9an, pr\u00e9server nos ressources halieutiques et garantir un avenir r\u00e9silient \u00bb.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/afrique\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Credit-Conservation-des-Especes-Marines-CEM-1-1024x768.jpeg\")
Credit Conservation des Esp\u00e8ces Marines (CEM) <\/p>\n