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Ivory Coast Expands Monitoring to Protect Marine Biodiversity

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by Alexander Agafiev Editor-at-Large
August 25, 2025
Ivory Coast Expands Monitoring to Protect Marine Biodiversity

Photo credits: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Gulf of Guinea is estimated to cause $2.3 billion in annual losses to West Africa’s fisheries, undermining marine biodiversity, food security and coastal livelihoods.

In response, the Grand-Béréby Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Ivory Coast has launched a new monitoring initiative with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The MPA safeguards critical nesting grounds for sea turtles, coral reef ecosystems and local fishing livelihoods. Yet without sustained monitoring, these ecosystems and communities remain vulnerable to illegal incursions.

Photo credits: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

The initiative, implemented by ONG CEM225, is structured as a 36-month program running from January 2025 to December 2027. Its objectives include: establishing a central MPA monitoring office, integrating patrols, radar and electronic surveillance and building local capacity for community-based monitoring.

The project aims to strengthen Ivory Coast’s role in regional marine governance and to demonstrate how local action can advance ocean sustainability.

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Alexander Agafiev

Editor-at-Large

Alexander is a contributing writer for Monaco Voice, covering high-profile, difference-makers Monaco residents. He is also a features editor on The Monegasque™ editorial team and is studying Business Management at the International University of Monaco.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MonacoVoice™

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