AGP Executive Report

Deforestation Watch: Côte d’Ivoire is losing about 200,000 hectares of forest each year, driven by farming expansion and infrastructure projects, with officials warning pressure could rise further by 2030—alongside a new push for forest preservation, rehabilitation and afforestation. Climate & Heat Risk: World Cup events across North America are facing extreme heat and severe storm warnings, with organizers and weather agencies urging safety measures for players and fans. Matchday Environment Link: Ahead of Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, forecasts flag storm threats around Philadelphia later in the day, raising concerns for travel and outdoor viewing plans. Biodiversity & Wildlife Angle: A separate World Cup-related note highlights how rare wildlife conservation can capture attention—like a zoo welcoming a rare baby pygmy hippo—reminding audiences why habitat protection matters. Governance & Civic Space: Côte d’Ivoire’s election season is also under scrutiny, with calls to protect free expression and civic space as political tensions rise.

Deforestation Pressure: Côte d’Ivoire is losing about 200,000 hectares of forest each year, blamed on expanding farming and infrastructure, with officials warning the pressure will intensify by 2030 as urbanisation and new industrial zones grow. Climate Risk for Cocoa: Markets are watching El Niño-linked weather risks for West Africa, with cocoa prices supported by concerns that warmer, drier conditions could cut production—an issue that matters directly for Ivorian farmers and livelihoods. Community Restoration Effort: A local initiative planted 1,200 indigenous trees in Bouaké’s Djebonoua area to restore biodiversity, stabilise soil, and push back against indiscriminate felling. Election Civic Space: Ahead of the Oct. 25 presidential vote, ARTICLE 19 urged authorities to protect free expression and civic space after protests were dispersed and opposition-linked arrests were reported. World Cup Weather Watch (Ivory Coast match): For Ivory Coast vs Ecuador in Philadelphia, organisers face heat plus storm threats later in the day, with damaging winds and hail possible.

Election & Civic Space: Côte d’Ivoire is heading toward its Oct. 25 presidential vote amid rising tension after key opposition figures were excluded from the ballot. Civil society and ARTICLE 19 warn that arrests and forceful dispersal of protests in Abidjan are shrinking civic space—an environment that can’t support a credible, free election. Deforestation Fight: In Gbêkê (Djebonoua, Bouaké), E LAFI SOU Foundation and People Planet and Peace Foundation planted 1,200 indigenous trees in the sacred forest of Sessekro to restore biodiversity, stabilize soil, and curb indiscriminate felling. Cocoa Pressure on the Environment: New market reporting says Côte d’Ivoire has far more unsold cocoa than previously estimated, with port volumes rising—fueling price drops and raising pressure on farmers and supply chains. Climate & Heat Risks: Across West Africa and beyond, heat and storm volatility are in focus; for Côte d’Ivoire-linked World Cup viewing in Philly, organizers are bracing for severe storms and extreme humidity, a reminder of how weather can disrupt communities and events. Tourism Push: Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism ministry says the country wants tourism to drive jobs and growth, targeting “modern, sustainable” hubs including Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro, and Man.

Tree Restoration in Ivory Coast: E LAFI SOU Foundation and People Planet and Peace Foundation planted 1,200 indigenous trees in the sacred forest of Sessekro (Djebonoua community, Bouaké). The goal is to curb deforestation, restore biodiversity, stabilize soil, and support local livelihoods, with community sensitization against indiscriminate felling. Cocoa Supply Pressure: Côte d’Ivoire is reported to have 350,000 tonnes of unsold cocoa this season—nearly triple the earlier estimate—pushing global prices lower. Port arrivals are also running well above last year, while El Niño-linked weather risks could still threaten future yields. Climate Stress on Coastal Livelihoods: Reports from Ghana’s Jamestown describe how intense coastal heat is already forcing fishermen to adapt mid-day, using seawater and improvised shade to cope with sun exposure. Ivory Coast Tourism Push: The tourism ministry says Côte d’Ivoire wants tourism to drive growth, jobs, and a “modern, sustainable” sector by 2030, citing 6.7 million visitors and 1.1 trillion CFA francs in revenue. World Cup Weather Reminder (for Ivorian fans abroad): Heat and storm risk are affecting major fan zones in North America, with officials urging hydration and indoor backup plans.

Deforestation Fight in Gbêkê: E LAFI SOU Foundation and People Planet and Peace Foundation planted 1,200 indigenous trees in the sacred forest of Sessekro (Djebonoua community, Bouaké), aiming to reverse deforestation, restore biodiversity, stabilize soil, and protect local livelihoods. Cocoa Supply Pressure: Côte d’Ivoire is holding about 350,000 tonnes of unsold cocoa this season—far above the earlier official estimate—pulling global prices lower as port arrivals and a possible El Niño-linked dry risk keep markets jittery. Tourism Push in Côte d’Ivoire: The tourism ministry says the country wants tourism to drive growth, jobs, and a “modern, sustainable” image by 2030, highlighting progress under the “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire” strategy and new tourism hubs in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro, and Man. Heat and Climate Stress: Reports on rising heat impacts across West Africa underscore how hotter conditions are already straining livelihoods, from fishermen dealing with extreme coastal sun to broader climate adaptation needs.

Tree Restoration: E LAFI SOU Foundation and People Planet and Peace Foundation planted 1,200 indigenous trees in the sacred forest of Sessekro (Djebonoua, Bouaké), aiming to reverse deforestation, restore biodiversity, stabilize soil, and sensitise communities against indiscriminate felling. Climate & Food Security: A report on rising marine heatwaves highlights how warming seas are stressing fisheries in Ghana, adding pressure to already vulnerable coastal livelihoods. Cocoa Market Pressure: Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa surplus is bigger than expected, with 350,000 tonnes of unsold beans reported—pushing global prices lower and reshaping forecasts for the 2025/26 season. Tourism for Growth: Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism minister says the country wants tourism to drive jobs and growth, targeting “modern, sustainable” tourism by 2030 and building hubs across Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro and Man. Heat Risk in the Region: World Cup-related coverage underscores extreme heat and storm volatility across North America, a reminder of how climate stress can disrupt outdoor events and planning.

Tourism Push: Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism minister says the country wants tourism to drive jobs and growth, aiming for “modern, sustainable and competitive” tourism by 2030, with hubs planned in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro and Man. Aquaculture & Fisheries: Ivory Coast has started a fisheries and aquaculture project targeting 35,000 metric tons of farmed fish output and cutting heavy import reliance, while also moving toward more sustainable wild-catch management and tackling illegal fishing. Climate & Food Security: Cocoa markets are reacting to shifting West African weather, with forecasts of drier conditions easing near-term pressure even as El Niño risks could bring warmer, drier conditions that threaten future yields. Heat & Public Safety: World Cup fan events in North America are being hit by extreme heat and storms, including lightning evacuations and heat emergencies—an indirect reminder of how weather extremes can disrupt large public gatherings.

Ivory Coast Aquaculture Push: Côte d’Ivoire has started a fisheries and aquaculture project aimed at boosting annual farmed fish output to 35,000 metric tons and cutting heavy import dependence (up to 80% of domestic supply). It plans broodstock development, hatcheries, fry production and better feed, while also targeting more sustainable wild fisheries management and tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Climate & Cocoa Signals: Cocoa futures slid as forecasts pointed to drier conditions later in West Africa, easing earlier weather fears, while El Niño concerns remain in the background for the region’s farming outlook. Forest & Climate Policy: Côte d’Ivoire pledged climate action as forests shrink, signaling a push to make environmental protection a national priority. Mining With Footprint Questions: Aurum Resources advanced its Boundiali Gold Project with a maiden ore reserve and development plan, adding to the country’s extractives momentum. World Cup, Local Links: As the tournament kicks off, Ivory Coast’s national team base-camp role is being marked through a sister-city partnership in Chester, with cultural and tourism cooperation. Heat Stress at the Coast: Reports from Ghana’s fishing communities highlight how rising coastal heat is already straining livelihoods—an issue Côte d’Ivoire’s coastal zones will be watching closely too.

Green Port Tech: A delegation including Côte d’Ivoire visited Tianjin Port in China, praising its “world’s first” fully intelligent, carbon-neutral container terminal powered by wind-solar-storage clean power and certified carbon neutrality, with faster handling and lower emissions. Climate & Cocoa Impacts: Cocoa prices slipped as forecasts eased fears of flooding in West Africa, but the bigger worry remains El Niño-linked weather swings; Ivory Coast’s recent heavy rains and winds reportedly damaged cocoa trees and disrupted Abidjan’s port access. Heat Stress on Coastal Livelihoods: Reports from Ghana’s coast describe fishermen coping with relentless heat and humidity, highlighting how rising temperatures threaten daily work, safety, and food supply. Côte d’Ivoire Governance & Environment Policy: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing to make environmental protection a national priority, as forests shrink and climate action pledges face real-world pressure. Cocoa Supply-Chain Rights: Tony’s Open Chain expanded child-labour remediation in Ghana’s cocoa communities, targeting exploitation at household, child, and community levels.

Climate & Cocoa Watch: Ivory Coast cocoa is under pressure as El Niño-linked uncertainty and heavy rains disrupt farming and logistics, including torrential weather near Abidjan that slowed forward sales and added volatility to prices. Forest & Policy Push: Côte d’Ivoire is pledging to make environmental protection a national priority as forests shrink, signaling a stronger policy focus on conservation and land management. Heat & Coastal Livelihoods: Rising heat is already testing coastal resilience, with fishermen describing harsher working conditions and coping tactics—an early warning for communities facing hotter, more humid weather. Water & Stadium Rules: FIFA reversed a water-bottle restriction after backlash, allowing limited sealed bottles—small, but a reminder that extreme heat planning is becoming a public issue. Mining & Local Impacts: Allied Gold says it’s advancing mine optimizations and mine-life extension work across its Côte d’Ivoire operations, highlighting how extractive projects are moving from planning to on-the-ground changes.

Cocoa Under Weather Pressure: Ivory Coast cocoa markets are swinging as El Niño-linked forecasts point to drier, harsher conditions, while recent heavy rains have already disrupted farming and port access around Abidjan—pushing forward sales to slow and adding uncertainty for the 2026/27 crop. Climate Risk Watch: Researchers warn that a likely El Niño plus record global heat could intensify droughts, floods, and extreme swings across West Africa, raising the stakes for food security and farm incomes. Ivory Coast Forests & Policy Push: Côte d’Ivoire is pledging stronger climate action as forests keep shrinking, with environmental protection moving toward a national priority. Water Bottle Rule Change: FIFA reversed a ban on refillable bottles after backlash, allowing limited sealed disposable bottles—an off-field reminder that heat and crowd management matter as much as rules. Local Fisheries Governance: In Liberia’s Grand Kru, a CMA chief warned fishermen not to sell NaFAA-donated outboard engines to foreigners—highlighting how enforcement and local control can protect coastal livelihoods.

Cocoa & Climate Shock: El Niño-linked weather fears are hitting Ivory Coast cocoa hard. Reports say torrential rain battered the southern coast, including Bingerville (139mm in 24 hours on June 4), disrupting access to Abidjan’s port and slowing forward sales for the 2026–27 crop. Market Fallout: Cocoa benchmarks slid to about $3,851/tonne over the weekend, with buyers facing local premiums (e.g., 1,500 FCFA/kg in Soubré) while monitoring spillover impacts from a reported Malian influx. Resilience in Agriculture: On a brighter note for climate adaptation, Nestlé and the Ivory Coast’s CNRA are developing six climate-resilient robusta coffee varieties that can nearly double yields, aiming to protect farmers as heat and rainfall volatility worsen.

Climate Risk for Food Systems: A likely El Niño (80% probability) is set to intensify heat and extreme weather on top of already record-warm global temperatures, raising alarms for agriculture, food prices, and weather stability. Cocoa Under Weather Pressure: Cocoa markets are reacting to West Africa’s crop stress as heavy rain and winds damage young buds and trees in Côte d’Ivoire; traders also cite El Niño-linked risks for drier, warmer conditions. World Environment Day Push in Côte d’Ivoire: Environment Minister Abou Bamba says climate change is already hitting the country via erratic rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and farmland degradation, warning that nearly 80% of forest cover has been lost—linked to cocoa expansion—and calling for stronger action against pollution and warming. Climate-Resilient Coffee Research: Nestlé and Côte d’Ivoire’s CNRA are developing six robusta varieties designed to resist climate stress and boost yields, aiming to protect coffee livelihoods as species face mounting climate threats. Green Diplomacy & Finance: Togo’s Lomé conference (June 30) spotlights climate finance, circular economy, and ESG-backed project structuring—topics Côte d’Ivoire stakeholders may watch as regional adaptation funding ramps up. Marine Heat Threat to Fish Stocks: Rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves in the Gulf of Guinea are damaging fish stocks and threatening food security for coastal communities.

World Environment Day Push: Côte d’Ivoire’s environment minister Abou Bamba says climate change is already hitting the country—erratic rains, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion and farmland degradation—while warning that the nation has lost about 80% of its forest cover, weakening carbon absorption. He urged action on air pollution from transport, industry, farming and weak waste management, framing the shift toward a low-carbon economy as a path to resilient, inclusive growth. Climate-Smart Coffee for Farmers: Nestlé, working with Côte d’Ivoire’s CNRA, has developed six new climate-resilient robusta varieties aimed at boosting yields and helping farmers adapt as coffee species face mounting climate pressure. Cocoa Under Pressure: Cocoa prices remain weak as demand concerns and rising inventories weigh on markets, with El Niño risks flagged for West Africa’s growing conditions. Local Climate Reality for Coastal Communities: A report on Gulf of Guinea marine heatwaves links rising ocean temperatures to declining fish stocks, threatening food security for coastal fishers. Policy Signals: Côte d’Ivoire also pledged to make environmental protection a national priority, while broader economic planning includes climate resilience measures.

World Environment Day Push: Côte d’Ivoire’s environment minister Abou Bamba says environmental protection must become a national priority, warning that climate change is already hitting the country through erratic rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion and farmland degradation. He also flagged the scale of forest loss—about 80%—which weakens the nation’s ability to absorb carbon, with cocoa expansion a key driver. Air Quality & Pollution: The minister tied pollution to major health impacts, urging action on transport, industry, farming and waste management as the world focuses on air quality. Cocoa Under Climate Pressure: Cocoa prices stayed under strain amid weak demand and rising inventories, but El Niño fears are back in the mix, with NOAA estimating high odds of El Niño through the year—raising concerns for West African cocoa production. Marine Heat Threat: New reporting from the Gulf of Guinea points to rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves quietly cutting fish stocks, threatening local ecosystems and food security.

Climate & Forest Loss: Côte d’Ivoire says environmental protection must become a national priority after World Environment Day warnings that climate change is already hitting the country—erratic rainfall, flooding, landslides, coastal erosion and farmland degradation—while forest cover has fallen by about 80%, weakening carbon absorption. Pollution & Public Health: The environment minister linked air pollution to transport, industry, farming and weak waste management, noting millions die prematurely worldwide from poor air quality. Cocoa Pressure & Weather Risk: Cocoa prices slid on demand worries and rising inventories, but El Niño fears could still threaten West African harvests—an issue that matters for Côte d’Ivoire’s forest-to-farm transition. Urban Environment & Mobility: Abidjan’s Metro Line 1 is highlighted as a major push for sustainable transport, aiming to cut congestion and improve daily mobility across the metro. Policy & Resilience Planning: The government’s climate resilience approach is tied to low-carbon growth and partnerships with international climate funds.