“I like trees. You can use them as shade, you can use them to treat many illnesses and if you plant many of them, you can make a forest and it will attract the rain.”
Issiaka is a 12-year-old student from the Plateau school in Duékoué, located in Western Côte d'Ivoire's Guémon region. The area boasts beautiful forests and mountains. Issiaka, like his schoolmate Océane, comes from cocoa farming communities.
Their school hosted a special day in partnership with the local cocoa cooperative, aimed at raising awareness about environmental protection.
In Côte d'Ivoire, deforestation rates have been alarmingly high, over 80% since 1960. Today, only 9% of the country remains forested, contrasting sharply with countries like France, Germany or the US, which have around 30% forest coverage. Cocoa farming significantly contributed to this deforestation.
Protecting and restoring forests is crucial for preserving natural resources, biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Issiaka eloquently expresses trees' value: “You can use them as shade, you can use them to treat many illnesses, and if you plant many of them, you can make a forest, and it will attract the rain.”
During the sensitization day, the children learned about trees' biology and their benefits for the environment. They also got their hands dirty learning how to plant seedlings in the schoolyard. They will have the chance to observe their little trees growing year on year. Valery Atta, the school headteacher, shared his excitement: “We planted cedrela and other plants. We're all excited to see them grow and provide shade for our children to rest or learn under when they get tired from running around and playing all over the compound. Trees are always a good idea.”
The enthusiasm of the students promised to spread beyond the schoolyard. Océane, a 10-year-old girl, beaming with pride, exclaimed: “Today is my first time planting a tree! I can do it all by myself because I just learned to do it. To plant the tree, I will dig a hole, put the plant inside the hole, fill the hole with the sand, pour water on it, and then protect it so the animals can't chew it. You see, it is not difficult to plant a tree!”
Valery ATTA, headteacher of Plateau school, Duékoué, Côte d’Ivoire
Issiaka RAMDE, 12 years old student at Plateau school, Duékoué, Côte d’Ivoire
Océane KONAN N’DRI, 10 years old student at Plateau school, Duékoué, Côte d’Ivoire
