Côte d’Ivoire has launched a new national initiative, known as Côte d’Ivoire Bleue, aimed at transforming the country’s coastal and marine resources into a foundation for sustainable economic growth, environmental protection and long-term community resilience. The programme, unveiled as part of the country’s 2026–2030 National Development Plan, seeks to address growing threats along the Ivorian coast while unlocking the economic potential of the blue economy.
The initiative is built on the recognition that Côte d’Ivoire’s coastal assets, including its Atlantic shoreline, lagoons, mangroves and beaches, are vital ecological treasures and powerful economic drivers. However, these ecosystems face increasing pressure from pollution, overfishing, coastal erosion and climate change. The government aims to reverse this trend through a comprehensive plan combining conservation, climate action and inclusive economic development.
At the core of the strategy is the country’s revised climate pledge, adopted in October 2025, which commits Côte d’Ivoire to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 33% by 2035, or up to 74% with international support. The plan also aims to raise renewable-energy penetration to 46.3% by 2035, restore 1.5 million hectares of forest and ensure full integration of gender equality across climate-policy implementation.
Under Côte d’Ivoire Bleue, the government will establish three new Marine Protected Areas, including one in Grand-Béréby, with the goal of bringing 30% of sensitive marine zones under protection by 2035. The program also targets the restoration of 5,000 hectares of mangroves and coastal forests to enhance carbon absorption, protect shorelines and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative places strong emphasis on economic transformation. With targeted investment, Côte d’Ivoire projects that its blue economy could generate more than US$1 billion in additional annual revenue by 2035 and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Growth opportunities are expected in sustainable fishing, aquaculture, ecotourism, circular-economy ventures and renewable-energy development.
To fund the initiative, the government is preparing a blend of financing instruments, including blue bonds, carbon-credit mechanisms and public-private partnerships, backed by transparent monitoring systems. The overall investment envelope for Côte d’Ivoire Bleue is estimated at US$378 million.
The plan was announced against the backdrop of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, where Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its intention to play a leading role in shaping global climate governance. The country called for stronger climate-finance tools and highlighted the need for innovative mechanisms such as carbon markets to support sustainable development in Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire Bleue represents one of the country’s most comprehensive environmental and economic programs to date. If fully implemented, it has the potential to become a model for coastal sustainability in West Africa, demonstrating how nations can balance economic ambition with environmental stewardship and social inclusion.
