ABIDJAN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire's Environment Minister Jacques Assahore Konan said on Wednesday that the country aims to boost ecological tourism in a bid to enhance economic performance and promote inclusive growth.
Speaking at a workshop organized by his ministry, Konan highlighted the promotion of wildlife as a national priority. "Wildlife represents an economic resource that is still underexploited. We must take strong action, including reducing human-wildlife conflicts and involving local communities in ecological management," he said.
The minister also stressed that sustainable management of natural resources should be a central focus in the water and forestry sectors to drive economic and social transformation.
One of the main goals is restoring the country's forest cover to 20 percent by 2030, he said.
He also reported progress in forest management, including stronger monitoring efforts, continued reforestation, and intensified action against illegal natural resource exploitation. ■
