The Taï National Park-N’Zo Partial Wildlife Reserve complex is one of the last major remnants of the primary tropical forest of West Africa. It has been on the list of biosphere reserves since 1978, and a large part of the complex, notably the Taï National Park with a surface area of 508,186 hectares, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The complex boasts146 species of mammals, including 12 endemics, 234 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles and crocodilians, 65 species of fish, 44 species of termites, 78 species of coprophagous beetles, 95 species of ants, 51 species of odonates and 56 species of amphibians. It also boasts over 1,200 plant species, including 273 endemics, and navigable lakes.
Conservation
Maintenance of the forest block, 98.4% of which is forested with the resumption of vegetation in areas formerly occupied by crops; Maintenance of viable populations of key species (elephant, chimpanzee, tailed monkey, pygmy hippopotamus, buffalo, duikers, panther, etc.) with stable or increasing trends; Maintenance of ecosystem services (carbon sequestration, regulation of the local climate, supply of fish to Lake Buyo from spawning grounds, groundwater supply, tourism and recreation, etc.) for the benefit of local, national and international communities.
Good governance
Establishment of the Local Management Committee (LMC), a consultative body that brings together all stakeholders (manager, researchers, local communities, technical structures, civil society, the private sector and technical and financial partners); Signing of local agreements for the sustainable management of the natural resources of the NWP and its peripheral area; Signing of partnership agreements with local authorities (the Regional Councils of Nawa, Cavally and San Pedro), universities and research centres and local NGOs for the development of joint actions for the benefit of conservation, research and local communities.
Community benefits
Creation of direct jobs with the involvement of local residents in the implementation of management activities (surveillance, development, tourism, ecological monitoring, research, promoted income-generating activities, etc.); Support for the establishment of basic social infrastructure related to drinking water (human-powered hydraulic pumps and improved village hydraulics), education (classrooms and teachers’ offices, desks) and health (fencing, rehabilitation and equipment of healt facilities); Provision of seeds, production and free distribution of food and medicinal forest fruit tree seedlings prized by communities as part of the domestication of these rare tree species in the rural area and the promotion of agroforestry on the periphery of the PA.
The Taï National Park-N’Zo Partial Wildlife Reserve complex is one of the last major remnants of the primary tropical forest of West Africa. It has been on the list of biosphere reserves since 1978, and a large part of the complex, notably the Taï National Park with a surface area of 508,186 hectares, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The complex boasts146 species of mammals, including 12 endemics, 234 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles and crocodilians, 65 species of fish, 44 species of termites, 78 species of coprophagous beetles, 95 species of ants, 51 species of odonates and 56 species of amphibians. It also boasts over 1,200 plant species, including 273 endemics, and navigable lakes.
The application phase for Taï National Park was validated in June 2024. The site provided compelling arguments demonstrating its compliance with the indicators required for this phase. Similarly, during the candidate phase, Taï National Park presented convincing arguments and solid evidence to show compliance with all necessary criteria. A site visit was conducted by two EAGL members from 22-28 September 2024.
Throughout the assessment process, Taï National Park consistently demonstrated its commitment to meeting the Green List criteria. No significant circumstances negatively impacted the assessment process. On the contrary, the site’s proactive approach and thorough preparation positively influenced the evaluation.
During the assessment, several strengths of Taï National Park were observed, including its robust management practices and strong evidence of ecological integrity. The site effectively demonstrated its commitment to conservation and sustainable management. The discussions of the EAGL held on February 11, 2025, were productive, with a thorough review of each indicator of from the Application phase. The site visit provided substantial evidence of the park’s performance. At the conclusion of these discussions, all EAGL members
unanimously voted in favor of the site’s satisfactory performance. The EAGL Côte d’Ivoire commends Taï National Park for its dedication and successful compliance with the Green List criteria.
