The Tanoé-Ehy Forest, one of West Africa’s last remaining pristine wetland and lowland rainforests, is protected by its traditional owners—11 local communities who have come together to safeguard their ancestral lands. These communities lead conservation efforts through regular patrols, agroforestry initiatives, and awareness campaigns, preventing illegal logging, hunting, and encroachment. Their work ensures the preservation of critical habitats for endangered species, including the Roloway monkey, white-naped mangabey, and Miss Waldron’s red colobus. This community-driven approach integrates traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. The project also strengthens local governance, supports sustainable livelihoods, and promotes environmental education. By empowering traditional owners to lead conservation efforts, the Tanoé-Ehy Forest remains a thriving sanctuary for biodiversity and a model for community-led environmental stewardship. This initiative highlights the importance of cultural heritage in achieving long-term conservation success.

The Tanoé-Ehy Forest project empowers local communities to protect 10,817 hectares of tropical rainforest in Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring protection of biodiversity and the prevention of deforestation. This community-led initiative uses a participatory management system, placing traditional owners at the heart of forest stewardship. The project integrates field patrols, agroforestry, and satellite monitoring to combat illegal logging, encroachment, and hunting, while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Documentation includes: - The Claim Breakdown which describes the logical flow and documentation used to verify the claim. - The Land Cover Monitoring of the Tanoé-Ehy Forest Report by biometrio.earth which verifies that forest cover, forest intactness and canopy height have all been maintained since community management began in 2006. - The Community-Based Management System Report provides context and details the participatory framework that empowers communities to lead conservation efforts. - The Signed Agreement with CSRS formalizes the partnership between the Forest Conservation Fund (FCF) and local stakeholders, ensuring long-term collaboration and legal compliance. The Grantee Code of Conduct further outlines ethical and operational standards, emphasizing respect for Indigenous rights and community involvement. FCF exists to supporting the traditional owners who are responsible for the protection of the forest. - The Quarterly Progress Reports document the implementation of conservation activities, including patrols conducted by the community, agroforestry initiatives, and awareness campaigns. These reports demonstrate the active participation of traditional owners in protecting the forest. - Additionally, the Government Receipt confirms the registration of the project, ensuring its legal foundation, while the Certificate of Collaboration formalizes partnerships with local communities.