Ivory Coast targets low-carbon economy and climate resilience on World Environment Day
Abidjan, June 5, 2026 — Ivory Coast has reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient, low-carbon economy that respects the environment, aligning with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Air: Climate Action.”
In a statement delivered by the Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition, Abou Bamba, the Ivorian government emphasized its dedication to making ecological transition a driver of sustainable development and inclusive growth.
As climate change impacts intensify—marked by erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, soil degradation, coastal erosion, and recurring floods—the authorities are accelerating reforms to bolster the country’s resilience.
“Our goal is clear: to build a resilient, low-carbon economy that respects the environment,” the government stated, noting that this vision aligns with Ivory Coast’s international commitments, including those under the Paris Agreement.
The Minister highlighted several key measures adopted to support this transition, including:
- A new environmental code law
- Legislation targeting climate change mitigation
- The establishment of a National Climate Change Commission
- Strengthened environmental and social impact assessment procedures
Ivory Coast is also advancing its third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming for a 33.07% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 while pursuing long-term carbon neutrality.
The government also pointed to the establishment of the Green Climate Fund’s regional office in Abidjan, reinforcing the country’s role as an African hub for climate finance.
For this year’s theme, air quality, authorities have deployed a network of dedicated sensors to monitor pollution levels. The Centre Ivoirien Anti-Pollution (CIAPOL) continues to regulate facilities emitting atmospheric pollutants.
However, the Minister stressed that state action alone cannot address these challenges. He urged everyone—local communities, the private sector, and civil society—to adopt more responsible behaviors to curb pollution.
Under the national slogan “Let’s be the solution, not the pollution!”, the event serves as a call for collective action to preserve natural resources and improve public well-being.
For Ivory Coast, ecological transition also represents an opportunity to create green jobs, enhance food security, and develop key sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green construction.
The government has encouraged citizens to report environmental violations via the hotline 1372, reinforcing that building a great nation depends on environmental preservation.
