Along the Cavally River that divides Southern Côte D'Ivoire and Liberia there exist remaining fragments of one of the most important ecosystems within the Upper Guinea Forest Region. These lowland tropical forests provide habitat for more than a quarter of Africa's mammals, including 12 species of primates, dwindling West African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) populations and rare endemic species such as the pygmy hippo and the forest elephant. The Upper Guinea Forest Region is still considered to be one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in the world despite decades of heavy resource extraction which has depleted much of the forest cover. Today, these important forests form the largest adjoining block of relatively intact primary tropical rainforest remaining in West Africa and offer a unique opportunity for biodiversity conservation, economic development and environmental peace-building opportunities in the region.

While comprehensive feasibility studies, important national debates and political negotiations have yet to be undertaken to address important questions such as land title, legislation harmonization, remaining forest coverage, and fauna population levels, the establishment of the corridor based on currently available data would protect and consolidate the largest remaining primary forest cover in West Africa.

In addition to corridors proposed to link these fragmented forests, the Tai-Sapo Forest Complex would include Tai National Park, Goin-Debe, Cavally and Haut-Dodo Classified Forests in Liberia; and Grebo National Forest and Sapo National Park in Liberia.

HIGHLIGHTS

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2009 Abidjan Final Workshop Report [FR] [EN]

2009 Abidjan Workshop Outcomes

Stakeholder Workshop to be held in Abidjan, October 5th and 6th, 2009