Scientific evidence shows that invasive alien species are a threat to biodiversity. They have contributed, alone or in combination with other factors, to 60% of species extinctions recorded worldwide. This observation is true for West Africa, whose Guinean forests are among the biodiversity hotspots, and also for Central Africa, which is home to the Congo Basin, the second largest tropical forest in the world.
Côte d’Ivoire, a member of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity since November 29, 1994, like many countries in Central and West Africa, is home to a rich biological diversity, composed of thousands of plant and animal species, the preservation of which is crucial, not only for the maintenance of ecosystems, but also for the subsistence of local populations. However, invasive alien species have been reported in several protected areas and crop systems in Côte d’Ivoire, threatening the biological diversity of these parks, soils and the health of populations. In addition, it faces considerable challenges in the management of its biodiversity. Unfortunately, modeling studies show that by 2050, despite climate change, invasive alien species will continue to conquer new territories in Côte d’Ivoire.
